Group Performance Monitoring System and Method

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a group monitoring device for monitoring a plurality of individuals engaged in an athletic activity, the device including a display configured to display, during an athletic activity: a metric relating to each of a plurality of individuals engaged in the athletic activity, and a status of a system component used to monitor the athletic activity. The group monitoring device may also include an input configured to allow manipulation of the display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/716,171, filed Sep. 26, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/016,665, filed Feb. 5, 2016, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/543,428, filed Jul. 6,2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/077,510, filed Mar. 31, 2011, which are each incorporated herein intheir entireties, by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to an activity monitoringsystem, and in particular, to an athletic activity monitoring systemthat facilitates live monitoring of a plurality of individuals.

Background Art

Exercise is important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and individualwell-being. A common way for individuals to exercise is to participatein athletic activities, such as, for example, sports and trainingprograms. A session of athletic activity may include, for example, atraining session or a competitive session such as, for example, a soccermatch or basketball game. When participating in athletic activities in acompetitive or collaborative environment, one's performance may bedependent on the performance of other individuals. For example, in ateam sport context, the performance of various athletic movements andendeavors may be influenced by the athletic movements and endeavors ofteammates or adversaries. Often, a trainer (e.g., a coach) is monitoringsuch athletic activity.

To effectively monitor the athletic activity, the trainer, or otherindividual, typically gathers information about the participants in theathletic activity by viewing the athletic activity from, for example,the sidelines of a sports field. Thus, the information used to makedecisions that influence the athletic activity is typically limited bywhat is observed by the trainer from the sidelines. A trainer may haveassistants to help with this observation, or multiple trainers may worktogether, however there remains difficulty in monitoring a plurality ofindividuals so as to effectively track and manage performance ofindividuals during an athletic activity.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments provide a group monitoring device for monitoring aplurality of individuals engaged in an athletic activity, the deviceincluding a display configured to display, during an athletic activity:at least one metric relating to each of a plurality of individualsengaged in the athletic activity, and a status of a system componentused to monitor the athletic activity. The group monitoring device mayalso include an input configured to allow manipulation of the display.

Some embodiments provide a method for monitoring a plurality ofindividuals engaged in an athletic activity, the method includingdisplaying, during the athletic activity, a plurality of metricsrelating to a plurality of individuals engaged in the athletic activity,and displaying, during the athletic activity, a status of a systemcomponent used to monitor the athletic activity.

Some embodiments provide a computer program product includingcomputer-useable medium having computer program logic recorded thereonthat, when executed by one or more processors, provides to a userperformance information related to an athletic activity engaged in by aplurality of individuals, the computer program logic including firstcomputer-readable program code that enables a processor to display,during the athletic activity, a plurality of metrics relating to aplurality of individuals engaged in the athletic activity, and secondcomputer-readable program code that enables a processor to display,during the athletic activity, a status of a system component used tomonitor the athletic activity.

Some embodiments provide a group monitoring device for monitoring aplurality of individuals engaged in an athletic activity, the deviceincluding a display configured to display, during the athletic activity,a plurality of metrics relating to a plurality of individuals engaged inthe athletic activity, each metric relating to one of the plurality ofindividuals, and an input configured to allow manipulation of thedisplay, wherein at least one metric of the plurality of metrics is arelative metric, and wherein the relative metric provides an indicationof a level of performance of its associated individual, relative topersonal ability of the associated individual.

Some embodiments provide a method for monitoring a plurality ofindividuals engaged in an athletic activity, the method includingdisplaying, during the athletic activity, a plurality of metricsrelating to a plurality of individuals engaged in the athletic activity,each metric relating to one of the plurality of individuals, wherein atleast one metric of the plurality of metrics is a relative metric, andwherein the relative metric provides an indication of a level ofperformance of its associated individual, relative to personal abilityof the associated individual.

Some embodiments provide a computer program product includingcomputer-useable medium having computer program logic recorded thereonthat, when executed by one or more processors, provides to a userperformance information related to an athletic activity engaged in by aplurality of individuals, the computer program logic includingcomputer-readable program code that enables a processor to display,during the athletic activity, a plurality of metrics relating to aplurality of individuals engaged in the athletic activity, each metricrelating to one of the plurality of individuals, wherein at least onemetric of the plurality of metrics is a relative metric, and wherein therelative metric provides an indication of a level of performance of itsassociated individual, relative to personal ability of the associatedindividual.

Some embodiments provide a group monitoring device for monitoring aplurality of individuals engaged in an athletic activity, the deviceincluding a display configured to display, during an athletic activity,a representation depicting locations on a playing field of a pluralityof individuals engaged in the athletic activity, and a location of amovable sports object, wherein the representation is based on locationinformation generated by individual monitors coupled to individuals ofthe plurality of individuals, and location information generated by anobject monitor coupled to the sports object.

Some embodiments provide a method for monitoring a plurality ofindividuals engaged in an athletic activity, the method includingdisplaying, during the athletic activity, a representation depictinglocations on a playing field of a plurality of individuals engaged inthe athletic activity, and a location of a movable sports object,wherein the representation is based on location information generated byindividual monitors coupled to individuals of the plurality ofindividuals, and location information generated by an object monitorcoupled to the sports object.

Some embodiments provide a computer program product includingcomputer-useable medium having computer program logic recorded thereonthat, when executed by one or more processors, provides to a userperformance information related to an athletic activity engaged in by aplurality of individuals, the computer program logic includingcomputer-readable program code that enables a processor to display,during the athletic activity, a representation depicting locations on aplaying field of a plurality of individuals engaged in the athleticactivity, and a location of a movable sports object, wherein therepresentation is based on location information generated by individualmonitors coupled to individuals of the plurality of individuals, andlocation information generated by an object monitor coupled to thesports object.

Some embodiments provide a group monitoring system for monitoring aplurality of individuals engaged in an athletic activity, the systemincluding a plurality of individual monitors, each individual monitorconfigured to monitor the performance of an individual engaged in theathletic activity, a first base station, configured to receive a firstset of metrics from the plurality of individual monitors, whereinmetrics of the first set of metrics are indicative of the performance ofthe individuals, and a second base station, configured to receive asecond set of metrics from the plurality of individual monitors, whereinmetrics of the second set of metrics are indicative of the performanceof the individuals, wherein the first set of metrics is different fromthe second set of metrics.

Some embodiments provide a group monitoring system for monitoring aplurality of individuals engaged in an athletic activity, the systemincluding a plurality of individual monitors, each individual monitorconfigured to monitor the performance an individual engaged in theathletic activity, and a base station, configured to receive metricsfrom the plurality of individual monitors, wherein the metrics areindicative of the performance of the individuals, and wherein the basestation is configured to send the metrics to a web server systemconfigured to provide the metrics to remote devices.

Some embodiments provide a method for monitoring a plurality ofindividuals engaged in an athletic activity, the method includingmonitoring the performance of a plurality of individuals engaged in theathletic activity, using a plurality of individual monitors, receivingmetrics from the plurality of individual monitors, at a base station,and sending the metrics, from the base station, to a web server systemconfigured to provide the metrics to remote devices, wherein the metricsare indicative of the performance of the individuals.

Some embodiments provide a computer program product includingcomputer-useable medium having computer program logic recorded thereonthat, when executed by one or more processors, provides to a userperformance information related to an athletic activity engaged in by aplurality of individuals, the computer program logic including firstcomputer-readable program code that enables a processor to monitor theperformance of a plurality of individuals engaged in the athleticactivity, using information received from a plurality of individualmonitors, second computer-readable program code that enables a processorto receive metrics from the plurality of individual monitors, at a basestation, and second computer-readable program code that enables aprocessor to send the metrics to a web server system configured toprovide the metrics to remote devices, wherein the metrics areindicative of the performance of the individuals.

Some embodiments provide a method for defining a playing field, themethod including displaying, using an administrative device, aninstruction to locate a position sensor at a first location, receivingfirst position data from the position sensor, defining the firstposition data as the position of the first location, displaying, usingthe administrative device, an instruction to locate the position sensorat a second location, receiving second position data from the positionsensor, and defining the second position data as the position of thesecond location, wherein the position of the first location and theposition of the second location together define the playing field.

Some embodiments provide a method for automatically adjusting a trainingplan based on performance data, the method including receiving, using agroup monitoring system, data relating to an athletic performance of anindividual, analyzing the data to identify an area for improvement inthe athletic performance, determine a training recommendation based onthe identified area for improvement, identify an established trainingplan, compare the established training plan to the trainingrecommendation, in response to a determination that the training plandoes not include training of the training recommendation, adjusting thetraining plan to include the training of the training recommendation.

Some embodiments provide a system for monitoring an activity, the systemincluding a base station, an object monitor configured to communicatewirelessly with the base station, a plurality of object sensors, eachobject sensor in communication with the object monitor and configured tosense a characteristic of a mobile sports object being used in theactivity and to transmit, during the activity, data indicative of thecharacteristic of the object to the object monitor, and a groupmonitoring device configured to communicate wirelessly with the basestation, wherein the object monitor is configured to transmit, duringthe activity, the data indicative of the characteristic of the object tothe base station, wherein the base station is configured to receive thedata and to transmit, during the activity, a metric based on the data tothe group monitoring device, and wherein the group monitoring device isconfigured to display a representation of the metric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate the present invention and, togetherwith the description, further serve to explain the principles of theinvention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to makeand use the invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers, letters,or renderings indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 depicts a monitoring system according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2A depicts an individual monitor and associated componentsaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B depicts an object monitor according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a diagram of an individual monitor according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts an individual monitor according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts an individual monitor according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts an individual monitor according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a diagram of a monitoring system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a group monitoring device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts an analysis device according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 11 depicts a diagram of a portion of a monitoring system accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts a monitoring flow diagram according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 depicts a base station according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 22 depicts a base station according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 23 depicts a base station according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 24 depicts an antenna of a base station according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 depicts a base station according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 26 depicts a base station according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 27 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33A depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33B depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35A depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35B depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35C depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35D depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36A depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36B depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37A depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37B depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42A depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42B depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42C depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42D depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42E depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42F depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 44 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 45 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 46 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 47 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 48 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 49 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 50 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 51 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 52 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 53 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 54 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 55 depicts a display of an analysis device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 56 depicts a display of an analysis device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 57 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 58 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 59 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 60 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 61 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 62 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 63 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 64 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 65 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 66 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 67 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 68 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 69 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 70 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 71 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 72 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 73 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 74 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 75 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 76 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 77 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 78 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 79 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 80 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 81 depicts a display of a group monitoring device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference toembodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an exemplaryembodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodimentmay not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring tothe same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it issubmitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art toaffect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection withother embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The term “invention” or “present invention” as used herein is anon-limiting term and is not intended to refer to any single embodimentof the particular invention but encompasses all possible embodiments asdescribed in the application.

Various aspects of the present invention, or any parts or functionsthereof, may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, tangiblecomputer readable or computer usable storage media having instructionsstored thereon, or a combination thereof, and may be implemented in oneor more computer systems or other processing systems.

Individuals participating in an athletic activity and trainers (e.g., acoach, physician, or other authorized individual) may work togetherduring a session of athletic activity for a variety of reasons. Forexample, it may be desired that the trainer monitors the performance ofthe individuals and makes recommendations or otherwise influences theirperformance in order to maximize the individuals' fitness level.Alternatively or additionally, it may be desired that the trainermonitors and influences the individuals to help maximize theeffectiveness of the individuals in the athletic activity. Further, itmay be desired that the trainer monitors and influences the individualsto help maximize the probability of success in the athletic activity(where success may be, for example, defeating an opposing team in agame, such as, for example, soccer, or achieving/maintaining a desiredlevel of fitness for one or more individuals participating in theathletic activity). A session of athletic activity may include, forexample, a training session (e.g., a field session, a gym session, atrack session) or a competitive session (e.g., a soccer match or abasketball game)

In some exemplary embodiments, the trainer may monitor and influence theindividuals in order to track and maintain the individuals' health andsafety. In such an embodiment, it may be beneficial for the trainer tobe provided with information relating to health and safety, for example,injuries, illnesses, and dangerous conditions.

The trainer must consider these and other goals, monitor theindividuals, and make decisions to influence the performance of theindividuals both individually and as a group. In doing so, the trainerdepends on information about the individuals and their performance whileparticipating in a session of athletic activity. The trainer may benefitfrom receipt of information in addition to that which is directlyobservable by the trainer. A group monitoring system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention can provide the trainerwith easy-to-understand information about individuals participating inthe athletic activity, beyond that which can be directly observed,thereby facilitating quick and effective decision-making by the trainerto maximize the probability of achieving success in the athleticactivity. Detailed player profiles with performance metrics over timecan be generated and maintained. By using information provided by thegroup monitoring system, trainers can view trends over time, which canhelp identify, for example, unfit athletes, athletes who areover-training, and athletes having relatively high risk for injury.Special training programs can be planned to address these conditionsenabling peak performance (e.g., at game time).

Conventionally, a trainer would plan a session of athletic activityhoping to deliver a certain workload (e.g., represented by target valuesfor one or more metrics) to a team or to particular individuals orsubsets thereof, but would not have a reliable way to measure if theintended workload was actually delivered. With a group monitoring systemaccording to embodiments of the present invention, a trainer now candetermine whether the intended workload was actually delivered (e.g., bydirect measurement of one or more metrics indicating or providing thebasis for a determination of total workload). This enables the trainerto more precisely plan and adapt sessions of athletic activity by basingsuch planning and adapting on measured values representing individual orteam performance. Such a group monitoring system may provide feedbackthat the trainer can act on to revise training as needed. In anexemplary embodiment, the group monitoring system can provide alerts tothe trainer to flag critical or important conditions that the trainerwould not otherwise be able to observe directly, such as, for example,fatigue of an individual or heart rate of an individual being above athreshold value.

In an exemplary embodiment, group monitoring system 100, depicted in,for example, FIGS. 1 and 11, includes individual monitors 200 (see FIG.2A), an object monitor 250, a base station 300, and at least one groupmonitoring device 400 (see FIG. 3). Individual monitor 200 may becoupled to an individual 10, as shown in FIG. 2A. Object monitor 250 maybe coupled to a sports object 40, as shown in FIG. 2B. Individual 10 maybe, for example, a participant in an athletic activity (e.g., a player;a referee; or a support person such as a ball boy, golf caddy, or lineman). Sports object 40 may be, for example a sports object, for example,any type of sport ball, any type of sport “stick” (e.g., a baseball bat,hockey stick, golf club, table tennis paddle, or tennis racquet), asport glove (e.g., a boxing glove), a bicycle, an oar, a shoe, a boot, aski, a hat, a helmet, a band, a skateboard, a surfboard, or a pair ofglasses or goggles) used by an individual (e.g., individual 10) duringan athletic activity. Individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250may include or be in communication with a variety of sensors 202,including, but not limited to, an accelerometer, a pedometer, a heartrate monitor, a position sensor, an impact sensor, a camera, amagnetometer, a gyroscope, a microphone, a temperature sensor, apressure sensor, a respiration sensor, a posture sensor, a lactatesensor, and a wind sensor. Group monitoring system 100 can include anyor all of these or other sensors, eliminating the need for separatesystems to monitor different characteristics. Further, by integratingand processing data streams from multiple different sensors, groupmonitoring system 100 can determine and provide metrics based on datarepresenting different monitored characteristics. This eliminates theneed to manually combine data streams to determine metrics based onmultiple data streams (e.g., to determine high level training insights).

In an exemplary embodiment, individual monitor 200 may include a sensorgarment 204, a heart rate monitor 206, and a position sensor 208. In anexemplary embodiment, object monitor 250 may include a position sensor208, an acceleration sensor 210 and a magnetometer 232. Position sensor208 may include, for example, a position sensor for use with asatellite-based positioning system (e.g., GPS (global positioningsystem)), a position sensor for use with a beacon system (e.g., positiondetermination using triangulation and/or time differences of signalsreceived by antennas at known positions about a field or activity area),or a position sensor for use with any other suitableposition-determining system.

In some exemplary embodiments, group monitoring device 400 may be usedby a trainer 20, as shown in FIG. 3. In an exemplary embodiment, groupmonitoring system 100 and/or components thereof (e.g., individualmonitor 200, object monitor 250) may include or be used with elements ofanother monitoring system, such as, for example, those disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/467,944, filed May 18, 2009; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/467,948, filed May 18, 2009; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/077,494, filed Mar. 31, 2011; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/077,520, filed Mar. 31, 2011; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/077,510, filed Mar. 31, 2011; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/446,937, filed Apr. 13, 2012; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/446,982, filed Apr. 13, 2012; and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/446,986, filed Apr. 13, 2012, each of which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.

Generally, sensors 202 are mounted to individuals 10 in preparation forparticipation by individuals 10 in a session of athletic activity.Sensors 202 mounted to a particular individual 10 are coupled, eithervia wires or wirelessly, to individual monitor 200, also mounted on theparticular individual 10. Sensors 202 in communication with anindividual 10's individual monitor 200 may sense characteristics aboutindividual 10 during participation by individual 10 in the session ofathletic activity, and may transmit data indicative of thecharacteristics to individual monitor 200. Individual monitor 200 inturn may transmit the data to base station 300 during or after thesession of athletic activity.

Sensors 202 in communication with an object 40's object monitor 250 maysense characteristics about object 40, for example while object 40 isused (e.g., by individual 10) during the session of athletic activity,and may transmit data indicative of the characteristics to objectmonitor 250. Object monitor 250 in turn may transmit the data to basestation 300 during or after the session of athletic activity.

In some embodiments, a first individual monitor 200 may transmit dataindicative of characteristics about its monitored individual 10 to asecond monitor (e.g., an individual monitor 200 monitoring a differentindividual 10, or an object monitor 250 monitoring a sports object 40).In some embodiments, a first object monitor 250 may transmit dataindicative of characteristics about its monitored object 40 to a secondmonitor (e.g., an individual monitor 200 monitoring an individual 10, ora second object monitor 250 monitoring a different sports object 40).Such communication among monitors 200, 250 may be wireless according toany suitable protocol. For example, such communication may be based onRFID (radio frequency identification) signals, magnetic signals, WLAN(wireless local area network) signals, ISM (industrial, scientific, andmedical) band signals, Bluetooth® (or Bluetooth® Low Energy (BTLE))signals, or cellular signals.

Such communication among monitors 200, 250 may facilitate determinationsand calculations based on data from more than one source. For example,if two monitored individuals 10 kick a sports object 40 (e.g., a ball),object monitor 250 of sports object 40 can receive data from each of theindividual monitors 200 of the individuals 10. Such data can be comparedwith data from the object monitor 250 of sports object 40 and can beused to determine (e.g., at sports object 40, base station 300, or anaccessing device) which of the two individuals kicked sports object 40first. Also for example, if a monitored individual 10 kicks a sportsobject 40 (e.g., a ball), individual monitor 200 of individual 10 canreceive data from object monitor 250 of sports object 40 indicating theforce with or speed at which the sports object 40 was kicked, or theresulting speed, direction of motion, or predicted landing location ofthe sports object 40 due to the kick. Such data may be sensed by apressure sensor of the sports object 40, and transmitted wirelessly tothe individual monitor 200 of the monitored individual 10. Such data canbe compared with data from the individual monitor 200 and can be used todetermine characteristics of the kick of individual 10. In someembodiments, based on such data, group monitoring system 100 may providea recommendation as to how individual 10 may improve his or her kick(e.g., to achieve greater distance, speed, height).

In some exemplary embodiments, some or all of transmissions of dataamong system components of group monitoring system 100 may occur in realtime. “Real time” as used herein may include delays inherent totransmission technology, delays designed to optimize resources, andother inherent or desirable delays that would be apparent to one ofskill in the art. In some exemplary embodiments, some or all of thesetransmissions may be delayed from real time, or may occur aftercompletion of the activity. Base station 300 receives the data anddetermines metrics from the data, where the metrics may berepresentations of the characteristics measured by sensors 202, or maybe representations of further characteristics derived from the datathrough the use of algorithms and other data manipulation techniques.Metrics may be based on data from individual monitors 200 only, fromobject monitors 250 only, or from both individual monitors 200 andobject monitors 250. Base station 300 in turn transmits the metricsduring the session of athletic activity to group monitoring device 400,which receives the metrics and displays a representation of the metrics.

Group monitoring device 400 may receive metrics associated with aplurality of individuals 10 and/or one or more objects 40, and maydisplay the received metrics in association with the individual 10and/or object 40 with which they are associated. In this way, trainer 20viewing group monitoring device 400 during the session of athleticactivity receives detailed information about multiple individuals 10and/or object(s) 40, and can act on that information as it is determinednecessary or expedient, thereby efficiently monitoring and managingindividuals 10 during the session of athletic activity.

Display of the metrics can represent real-time summaries of individuals10 or groups thereof, and can facilitate comparison of one or moreindividuals 10 or groups thereof with one or more other individuals 10or groups thereof, or comparison of one or more individuals 10 or groupsthereof from a first time with one or more individuals 10 or groupsthereof from a second time.

In some exemplary embodiments, individual monitors 200 and/or objectmonitors 250 calculate metrics based on the data (e.g., data generatedby sensors 202), and transfer these metrics to base station 300 alongwith or instead of the data. In some exemplary embodiments, base station300 transmits the data to group monitoring device 400, along with orinstead of the metrics. In some exemplary embodiments, group monitoringdevice 400 calculates metrics based on the data.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, individual monitor 200and/or object monitor 250 may include a battery 212, a data port 214, aposition module 216, a heart rate monitor module 218, a controller 220,a user interface 222, a transceiver 223, an antenna 224, an accelerationsensor module 226, a memory 228, a gyroscope module 230, a magnetometermodule 232, and a temperature sensor module 233. The sensors andcorresponding modules discussed herein are exemplary only; other sensorsand modules can be used in conjunction with embodiments of the presentinvention. Battery 212 (or any other suitable power source) can providepower to individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 and may be,for example, built into or removable from individual monitor 200 and/orobject monitor 250, and may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. Dataport 214 can facilitate information transfer to and from individualmonitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 and may be, for example, auniversal serial bus (USB) port. In some exemplary embodiments, dataport 214 can additionally or alternatively facilitate power transfer tobattery 212, in order to charge battery 212. As will be appreciated,transceiver 223 may include data transmitting and receiving capabilityand may include a single component or separate components.

Elements of individual monitor 200 (or object monitor 250) mayinterconnect with one another using a variety of techniques, such as,for example, wires, printed circuit boards, conductive yarn, conductivefabric, printed conductive layers on fabric, a printed (wire) harness,wireless communications technology, serial ports, serial peripheralinterfaces, other connection techniques, or a combination thereof. Eachmonitor 200, 250 is portable with respect to base station 300. In someembodiments, each individual monitor 200 can be carried by an individual10 participating in an athletic activity. Each monitor 200, 250 mayitself include sensors 202, and/or may be in communication with sensors202 carried by individual 10 and/or sports object 40 and locatedremotely from monitor 200, 250. Each monitor 200, 250 can be paired withbase station 300 and associated with an individual 10 and/or sportsobject 40. Each monitor 200, 250 may include a unique identifier. Theunique identifier may be represented by, for example, a number imprintedon a viewable surface of individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor250 (or an article associated therewith, such as, for example, a garmentor sports object), or data communicated or displayed when a buttonassociated with individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 ispressed or when a request signal is received from base station 300.

To be paired with base station 300, individual monitor 200 and/or objectmonitor 250 can be received by or otherwise communicatively connected tobase station 300 (e.g., via a docking port 318 of base station 300—see,e.g., FIG. 23). Base station 300 can then record the unique identifierof the individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250, and can assigna unique encryption key to the individual monitor 200 and/or objectmonitor 250. This encryption key can be used to support securetransmission of data during the session of athletic activity. Suchsecure transmission of data may be, for example, from individualmonitors 200 and/or object monitors 250 to base station 300, from basestation 300 to individual monitors 200 and/or object monitors 250, andfrom one individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 to one or moreother individual monitors 200 and/or object monitors 250. The encryptionkey can be renewed when required or desired (e.g., at the beginning ofeach new session of athletic activity).

In some exemplary embodiments, assigning of individual monitors 200and/or object monitor 250 to individuals 10 and/or sports objects 40 canbe facilitated by use of group monitoring device 400, as depicted in,for example, FIG. 53. For example, display 402 of group monitoringdevice 400 may display a representation of a team or other group ofindividuals 10, and/or one or more sports objects 40, along with monitoridentifying information 242 (indicative of the unique identifier of anindividual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250) of individual monitors200 and/or object monitor 250 associated with individuals 10 and/orsports object(s) 40. A user of group monitoring device 400 may changethis association by selecting the identifying information 242 of aparticular individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 associatedwith an individual 10 and/or sports object 40, and inputting identifyinginformation 242 of a different individual monitor 200 and/or objectmonitor 250 to be associated with the individual 10 and/or sports object40. Display 402 may also display an indication of the connectivity orsignal strength between monitors 200, 250 and base station 300 (see,e.g., FIG. 61).

Via an administrative interface of base station 300, (which may be,e.g., an input and display located on base station 300, or which may beincorporated into a remote device such as, e.g., group monitoring device400 or analysis device 600) identification information of individual 10(e.g., individual 10's name and/or jersey number) and/or sports object40 (e.g., sports object 40's type and/or size) can be associated withthe unique identifier of the individual monitor 200 and/or objectmonitor 250 to be carried by individual 10 and/or sports object 40. Onceproperly paired with base station 300 and associated with individual 10,individual monitor 200 can be disconnected from base station 300 (e.g.,by being removed from docking port 318). If not mounted to individual 10and/or sports object 40, individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor250 may be mounted on individual 10 and/or sports object 40, and anyexternal sensors 202 can be appropriately mounted on individual 10and/or sports object 40 and connected to individual monitor 200 and/orobject monitor 250.

In an exemplary embodiment, such as that depicted in FIGS. 4-7,individual monitor 200 is a pod-like device and includes a positionmodule 216 for determining data indicative of the location of individualmonitor 200 (and thus the location of individual 10 carrying individualmonitor 200), a heart rate monitor module 218 for determining dataindicative of the heart rate of individual 10, a three-axis accelerationsensor module 226 for determining data indicative of the acceleration ofindividual 10, a gyroscope module 230 for determining data indicative ofthe orientation of individual 10 with respect to, for example, a playingfield and/or base station 300, and a magnetometer module 232 forcalibrating body motion data determined by gyroscope module 230 andacceleration sensor module 226. Such a pod-like device can be carried byindividual 10, for example, in a shirt, shoe, or other apparel orequipment worn by individual 10. In some embodiments, individual monitor200 may be a near-field communication (NFC) device (e.g., aradio-frequency identification (RFID) tag) or any active or passivecommunication device.

Similarly, in an exemplary embodiment object monitor 250 is a devicethat includes a position module 216 for determining data indicative ofthe location of object monitor 250 (and thus the location of sportsobject 40 carrying object monitor 250), a heart rate monitor module 218for determining data indicative of the heart rate of an individual(e.g., individual 10) interacting with sports object 40 (e.g., grippingor otherwise holding sports object 40 such that a heart rate sensor ofobject monitor 250 can sense a pulse of the individual), a three-axisacceleration sensor module 226 for determining data indicative of theacceleration of sports object 40, a gyroscope module 230 for determiningdata indicative of the orientation of sports object 40 with respect to,for example, a playing field and/or base station 300, and a magnetometermodule 232 for calibrating motion data determined by gyroscope module230 and acceleration sensor module 226. In some embodiments, objectmonitor 250 is a pod-like device, which may be configured for attachmentto a sports object 40 (e.g., coupled to a racquet or bat upon anexternal surface thereof). In some embodiments, object monitor 250 is achip integrated within a sports object 40 (e.g., coupled to a ballbeneath the exterior surface thereof). In some embodiments, objectmonitor 250 may be a near-field communication (NFC) device (e.g., aradio-frequency identification (RFID) tag) or any active or passivecommunication device.

Each of position module 216, heart rate monitor module 218, accelerationsensor module 226, gyroscope module 230, and magnetometer module 232 maythemselves include associated sensors (e.g., a GPS sensor, a heart ratesensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer,respectively), or may be in communication with such an associatedsensor. Such communication may be wired or wireless. In the case ofwireless communication, each module may be communicatively paired withan associated sensor, to avoid miscommunication and interference due tocommunication of other components. In some exemplary embodiments, someor all of these and other modules may be included in a single module.

In an exemplary embodiment, some or all of sensors 202 are incorporatedinto sensor garment 204. In such an embodiment, sensors 202 incorporatedinto sensor garment 204 may connect to individual monitor 200 via wiresalso incorporated into sensor garment 204.

During participation by individual 10 in the session of athleticactivity, sensors 202 of individual monitor 200 sense variouscharacteristics of individual 10, generate data indicative of thosecharacteristics, and transmit that data to memory 228 of individualmonitor 200, where it is stored. During use of sports object 40 in thesession of athletic activity, sensors 202 of object monitor 250 sensevarious characteristics of sports object 40, generate data indicative ofthose characteristics, and transmit that data to memory 228 of objectmonitor 250, where it is stored. In turn, individual monitor 200 and/orobject monitor 250 wirelessly transmit the generated data to basestation 300. The resolution at which the data is stored in memory 228(of individual monitor 200 and/or of object monitor 250) and at whichthe data is transmitted to base station 300 may be different, in orderto optimize bandwidth, to optimize battery life, or for any otherreason. For example, the heart rate of individual 10 may be sampled byheart rate monitor module 218 at 200 Hz, and data indicative of theheart rate may be generated at 200 Hz and stored in memory 228 at 200Hz, but may be transmitted wirelessly to base station 300 at 2 Hz duringthe athletic activity. In some embodiments memory 228 is sufficient tostore data from a single session of athletic activity (e.g., 3 hours ofdata collection), and in some embodiments memory 228 is sufficient tostore data from up to 5 sessions of athletic activity (e.g., up to 15hours of data collection).

Acceleration sensor module 226 can determine data indicative ofacceleration, which can be used in calculating, for example, speed,distance, and metrics that will be discussed below. In some exemplaryembodiments, the data indicative of acceleration can be used to increaseaccuracy of position data by, for example, using an accelerometer as astep counter or to determine a filter for a GPS signal calculation. Insome exemplary embodiments, the data indicative of acceleration can beused, in conjunction with pattern recognition software, to determine theactivity (e.g., the sport, movement, and/or drill) that an individual 10is performing, and/or that sports object 40 is being used in.

Additionally, acceleration sensor module 226 can be used in conjunctionwith magnetometer module 232 and gyroscope module 230 in order tocalibrate motion determinations. For example, information indicative ofimpact, change in motion, gravity, and step or other impact counting canbe obtained using acceleration sensor module 226. Angular movement canbe obtained using gyroscope module 230, and the absolute “North”orientation can be obtained using magnetometer module 232. These sensorreadings can be used to determine, for example, the posture of anindividual 10, gravity, orientation of individual 10 and/or object 40 inspace, and heading of individual 10 and/or object 40.

Position module 216 may determine data indicative of absolute positionat, for example, 10 Hz. Acceleration sensor module 226 may determinedata indicative of acceleration at, for example, 200 Hz. Gyroscopemodule 230 may determine data indicative of change of position andorientation at, for example, 200 Hz. Magnetometer module 232 maydetermine data indicative of orientation at, for example, 200 Hz. Datamay be transmitted from individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250(via antenna 224) to base station 300 using a radio frequency (RF) link.The RF link between individual monitor 200 and base station 300 and/orbetween object monitor 250 and base station 300 should be sufficientlyrobust to cover the expected area of the athletic activity (e.g.,playing field 30). In some exemplary embodiments, the RF link issufficient to cover a distance of 50-300 meters under all operatingconditions. In some exemplary embodiments, the RF link uses a globallyavailable, license-free band (e.g., the 2.4 GHz frequency). In someexemplary embodiments, the RF link is configurable to cover multiplelicense-free bands used throughout the world. As will be described ingreater detail below, in some exemplary embodiments base station 300 iscapable of using the RF link to link to a plurality of individualmonitors 200 and/or object monitors 250 simultaneously, for example, upto 25 individual monitors 200 and/or object monitors 250, or up to 30individual monitors 200 and/or object monitors 250.

Individual monitor 200 may be, for example, a pod-like device, as shownin FIGS. 5-7, including a plastic housing 234 that contains componentsof individual monitor 200, such as the modules discussed above, forexample. Object monitor 250 may also be, for example, a pod-like device,including a plastic housing 234 that contains components of objectmonitor 250, such as the modules discussed above, for example. Objectmonitor 250 may be configured for attachment to a sports object 40(e.g., coupled to a racquet or bat upon an external surface thereof) ormay be a chip integrated within a sports object 40 (e.g., coupled to aball beneath the exterior surface thereof).

Individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 may include connectors236 that can provide connection to conductors to removably connectindividual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 to, for example,sensors 202. Connectors 236 may removably connect to sensors 202 via,for example, snaps, clips, latches, or any other suitable technique.Individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 may further include orbe coupled to an input 238, which may be a button and which may functionto turn individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 on or off, whenappropriately manipulated. Input 238 may include a background lightindicator, which may be, for example, one or more light emitting diodes(LEDs) that indicate qualities of individual monitor 200 and/or objectmonitor 250. Such qualities may include, for example, state of operation(e.g., on, off, active, inactive, charging, low battery), memory status,and battery status. In some exemplary embodiments, individual monitor200 and/or object monitor 250 includes or is coupled to a visualdisplay, such as, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen,that can display this and other information.

Individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 may further include orbe coupled to a docking port 240, which facilitates wired communicationwith base station 300, and which can facilitate charging of battery 212of individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250, when individualmonitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 is docked with base station 300.Housing 234 of individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 may besized so as to accommodate components of individual monitor 200 and/orobject monitor 250 while minimally interfering with individual 10'sperformance of the athletic activity, and/or with use of sports object40 during the athletic activity. Housing 234 may be sized, for example,to fit into a pocket or cavity of a garment (e.g., sensor garment 204)or sports object 40. In some exemplary embodiments, dimensions ofhousing 234 do not exceed 70 mm by 55 mm by 11 mm.

In some exemplary embodiments, housing 234 is water resistant, and allopenings (e.g., docking port 240, connectors 236) are sealed while inuse during athletic activity. Such water resistance can be achieved by aclose fit between exposed parts of individual monitor 200 (particularlyhousing 234), by use of plugs (e.g., plastic or rubber) that fit intoopenings, by use of a water resistant sealing compound, by othertechniques, or by any combination thereof.

Individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 may include dataprocessing capabilities, such as raw data reduction and filtering. Forexample, a processor of individual monitor 200 (e.g., controller 220)may be configured to receive raw data from sensors 202 and to processsuch data at the individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250, priorto transmission to base station 300. For example, rather thantransmitting raw data representing electrical activity sensed by heartrate monitor sensor 206 or acceleration sensor 210, controller 220 ofindividual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 may process the rawdata to calculate heart rate, number of heart beats in a given period,magnitude of acceleration, rate of change of acceleration, or othermetrics of interest, which can be transmitted to base station 300. Insome exemplary embodiments, controller 220 of individual monitor 200and/or object monitor 250 may use a unique encryption key (assigned bydata processing module 304 of base station 300) to encrypt data in orderto securely transmit such data to base station 300. Such processing ofdata at individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 is notnecessary, however, and raw data can be transmitted directly to basestation 300 without such processing.

Operation of individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 may becontrolled by software stored in individual monitor 200 and/or objectmonitor 250 (e.g., stored in memory 228). This software can be updatedwhen necessary or appropriate. Software can be updated via communicationwith base station 300, which may send software updates to individualmonitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 wirelessly. Alternatively oradditionally, software of individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor250 may be updated through direct connection with base station 300 viadocking ports 318 (as will be described below), such that firmware ofindividual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 may be flashedappropriately.

Sensors 202 are selected and configured to provide a basis fordetermination of metrics of the individual 10 and/or sports object 40with which they are associated. As used herein, “metrics” may refer torepresentations of characteristics relevant to individual 10 and/orsports object 40 or one or more groups of individuals 10 and/or sportsobjects 40, and may be, for example, physiological-, performance-, orlocation-based. A “metric” may simply be a representation of acharacteristic sensed by one of sensors 202, or may be a representationof a quality derived from data indicative of characteristics measured byone of sensors 202. For example, an acceleration sensor 210 sensesacceleration, and provides data indicative of this characteristic. Thisdata can be represented as a metric. Additionally, this data can befurther processed to determine further metrics such as velocity,direction of acceleration, and distance. Processing involving formulasand algorithms that work on the data received from sensors 202(including data from different sensors 202) and other sources can beused to determine a wide variety of results (including, for example,metrics, alerts, markers, targets, goals) determined to be useful totrainer 20, including custom-designed results.

In some embodiments, such other sources that can provide data to groupmonitoring system 100 may include, for example, other sensors incommunication with system components (e.g., a temperature or wind sensorcoupled to base station 300) or sensors of personal equipment ofindividuals 10 (e.g., a pedometer, heart rate monitor, weight scale,sleep monitor, or respiration monitor).

The data from such other sources may be gathered separate from or duringthe monitored athletic activity. For example, such data may be gatheredduring a private training session for an individual 10 (and may be used,for example, during a group training session monitored by groupmonitoring system 100) or during training in a different sport, group,or season than the sport, group, or season being monitored.

Such other sources may communicate with group monitoring system 100 inany suitable way, such as, for example, via wired or wirelesscommunication with a system component or by manual input of data outputfrom such other sources (e.g., individual 10 reading the output of hisor her personal pedometer, and inputting it into group monitoring system100 via an input of a system component). In some embodiments, such othersources may transmit data to a database, which may in turn transmit suchdata to group monitoring system 100 (e.g., via web server system 500 orbase station 300).

Metrics can provide useful information individually about multipleindividuals 10 and/or sports objects 40, and can provide usefulinformation about groups of individuals 10 and/or sports objects 40.Metrics can also take into account attributes of a particular individual10 or group of individuals 10, such as, for example, height, weight,endurance, and top speed. Metrics can also take into account attributesof a particular sports object 40 or group of sports objects 40, such as,for example, speed, trajectory, flight time, reaction time,acceleration, flight distance, launch angle, orientation, and rotationrate.

Metrics can also relate to an athletic activity itself, or to gameevents. For example, the character of a force sensed at sports object 40may indicate that sports object has been passed from one individual 10.Also for example, the character of a decrease in speed and/or rotationmay be caused by sports object 40 contacting a net, such as a goal net,and may indicate that a goal has been scored. Also for example, acoincident decrease in movement or speed of a number of individuals 10may indicate the end of a period of play.

Base station 300 may be a self-contained portable system, such as theexemplary embodiments depicted in FIGS. 21-26, containing all hardwarerequired or desired to perform the functions of base station 300described herein. In some exemplary embodiments, base station 300 weighsno more than 25 kilograms. In some exemplary embodiments, base station300 is sized so as to fit easily into the trunk of a car or the overheadstorage area of a passenger aircraft. In some exemplary embodiments,base station 300 includes a pair of wheels 322 at one end, and a handle324 at the other end, to facilitate mobility of base station 300. Insome exemplary embodiments, base station 300 is waterproof, and canwithstand impacts associated with regular use and transport. In someexemplary embodiments, base station 300 is contained within a hardshell-style case 326. In some exemplary embodiments, base station 300 iscontained within a soft duffel bag-style case 328.

In some exemplary embodiments base station 300 is configured to beportable. In some exemplary embodiments, base station 300 is configuredto be positioned at an activity site. In some exemplary embodiments basestation 300 is configured to be movable between activity sites such thatit can be positioned at various activity sites. In some exemplaryembodiments base station 300 is configured to be portable with respectto at least one of individual monitors 200, object monitors 250, andgroup monitoring device 400. In some exemplary embodiments base station300 is configured to be portable with respect to each of individualmonitors 200, object monitors 250, and group monitoring device 400.

In some exemplary embodiments, base station 300 itself includes sensors,such as, for example, a GPS sensor (or other position sensor), agyroscope, a magnetometer, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor,and/or a wind sensor. Such sensors can provide valuable data that can beused in algorithms to determine metrics associated with individuals 10and/or sports objects 40, as will be described below.

In some exemplary embodiments, base station 300 includes a referencesensor 334 (e.g., a GPS reference sensor), which may be physicallyincluded within base station 300 or independent of and located remotefrom base station 300 at a known position with respect thereto.Reference sensor 334 can be connected to base station 300 via wires orwirelessly. Reference sensor 334 can be used to detect a deviationsignal and use it to calculate a correction signal for received positionsignals (e.g., GPS data). This correction signal can be sent to monitors200, 250 (e.g., via base station 300). This correction signal can beused to correct position determinations of monitors 200, 250, therebyincreasing their accuracy. Determining such a correction signal and thensending it to monitors 200, 250 achieves efficient use of processingcapacity, because monitors 200, 250 are not burdened with determining acorrection signal themselves, but simply receive and use a correctionsignal determined at base station 300 or reference sensor 334.

Base station 300 may transmit and receive data from monitors 200, 250via an antenna 330 configured for one or more of RF communication, WLANcommunication, ISM communication, cellular (e.g., GSM broad band 2.5G or3G) communication, other suitable communication, or a combinationthereof. Communication between base station 300 and monitors 200, 250may be bi-directional or uni-directional. Antenna 330 may be a high-gainantenna, and in some exemplary embodiments base station 300 includesmultiple (e.g., 2) such antennas 330. In some exemplary embodiments,base station 300 includes an antenna configured to send and/or receive apositioning signal such as that of a satellite-based positioning system(e.g., GPS). Base station 300 can then determine metrics from thereceived data. FIG. 8 depicts a diagram of an exemplary embodiment ofgroup monitoring system 100. As shown in FIG. 8, base station 300includes a data reception module 302, a data processing module 304, acentral synchronization (sync) module 310, a logic module 312, a webserver module 314, and a base station database 316.

As described above, base station 300 receives data from monitors 200,250. Data reception module 302 of base station 300 may be incommunication with each active monitor 200, 250. In some exemplaryembodiments data reception module 302 receives data from monitors 200,250 via antenna 330 in communication with monitors 200, 250 through theRF link described above. Data reception module 302 writes the receiveddata to a data file, which may be, for example, a comma-separated valuesfile or a tab delimited file. The file may be, for example, a singlefile used to write the data to, or a rolling file (file roll) based on,for example, time, number of entries, or size. The data file may beupdated using any suitable interval and parameters. For example, 30monitors 200, 250 may be active and updating 5 data points at 2 Hz, inorder to update the data file in near real time.

Data reception module 302 may perform a data integrity check on thereceived data. In some exemplary embodiments data reception module 302decrypts the received data. In some exemplary embodiments data receptionmodule 302 is agnostic to the received data, and does not decrypt thereceived data. In some exemplary embodiments data reception module 302buffers content as needed.

Data reception module 302 may include a data read module 332 that readsthe data from the data file and transmits it to data processing module304. Data read module 332 may run at any suitable interval, such as, forexample, 500 ms (milliseconds), to read the change in the data writtento the data file.

Prior to monitors 200, 250 being used during a session of athleticactivity, each monitor 200, 250 may be connected to base station 300(e.g., by docking in docking port 318, or wirelessly) and may beassigned an encryption key by data processing module 304. Monitors 200,250 can use this encryption key to securely transmit data to datareception module 302. Data processing module 304 receives data from datareception module 302, as described above, and de-crypts the data, ifencrypted, by using the unique encryption key assigned to a particularmonitor 200, 250. Data processing module 304 transmits the decrypteddata to base station database 316, for storage.

Base station database 316 is preferably configured for short termstorage of data generated during sessions of athletic activity, whilelong term storage is accomplished by web server system 500, as will bediscussed in greater detail below. Base station database 316 may includesufficient storage space for at least all data expected to be generatedin 1 session of the athletic activity. In some exemplary embodiments,base station database 316 includes sufficient storage space for at leastall data expected to be generated in 3 sessions of the athletic activity(e.g., greater than approximately 2 gigabytes). In some exemplaryembodiments, base station database 316 is configured for long termstorage, and includes sufficient storage space, for example, for atleast all data expected to be generated in 10 years of use monitoringathletic activities (e.g., greater than approximately 600 gigabytes).

Logic module 312 polls base station database 316 and applies algorithmsto the polled data to determine metrics and alerts. Logic module 312 candetermine a wide variety of metrics, including custom-designed metrics,by application of appropriate algorithms. Logic module 312 can transmitsuch metrics to web server module 314. More detailed description ofexemplary metrics and their use will be provided below.

In some embodiments, system components (e.g., sensors 202, individualmonitors 200, object monitors 250, base stations 300, group monitoringdevices 400, web server systems 500, analysis devices 600, cameramonitoring systems 700) may include assessment hardware and/or softwareto monitor on-board operating conditions, and/or operating conditions ofother system components. Such monitored operating conditions mayinclude, for example, component serial number, strength (includingpresence) of GPS signal at component, strength (including presence) ofcommunication signal at component, remaining battery power of battery ofcomponent, whether battery of component is charging or discharging, datasent from and/or received by component (e.g., active data transmission,time of last data transmission, volume of data transmitted, rate of datatransmission), available memory of component, current software orfirmware version installed on component, target software or firmwareversion for component, synchronization status of component, errors inoperation of component, time since last communication received fromcomponent, number of other components docked at component, whethercomponent is properly located and/or oriented with respect to anassociated individual, object, or area).

In some embodiments, data relating to operating conditions of systemcomponents can be transmitted between system components (e.g., asdescribed herein for any other data transfer, including metric-relateddata transfer). For example, operating conditions data relating tomonitors 200, 250 can be transmitted from monitors 200, 250 to basestation 300. Also for example operating conditions data relating tomonitors 200, 250 and/or base station 300 can be transmitted from basestation 300 (e.g., via logic module 312 and web server module 314) to aremote device (e.g., group monitoring device 400, analysis device 600).Further, in some embodiments operating conditions data can be stored(e.g., as described herein for any other data storage, includingmetric-related data storage). For example, operating conditions data canbe stored in base station database 316.

In some exemplary embodiments, trainers 20 or other persons (e.g.,system supervisors, doctors, medical staff, equipment manufacturers) cancreate performance alerts for individuals 10 in order to inform trainer20 or such other persons of the occurrence of events. Such performancealerts can be used to, for example, measure workout effectiveness,manage training load, identify achievement of training targets, oridentify dangerous situations. Performance alerts can be based on anumber of metrics, such as, for example, distance (total and/or timewithin particular speed ranges), heart rate (present and/or cumulativetime within particular heart rate zones, heart rate moving outsideparticular heart rate zones), power or training load, goals scored,contact with ball (or other sports object 40). Such performance alertscan be generally applied to all individuals 10 (individually or ingroups), or can be tailored to be specific to a particular individual10. Such performance alerts can be generally applied to all sessions ofathletic activity, or can be tailored to be specific to a particularsession of athletic activity. Similar performance alerts can be createdfor sports objects 40.

In some embodiments, training sessions can be planned with performancealerts that allow a trainer 20 to see in real time whether trainingtargets are being reached. Once a training target has been reached thetrainer can end the training session for the individual 10 that hasreached the target, to prevent over training. In some embodiments,trainers 20 can also monitor drills (or other athletic activity) in realtime to see if the athletes are reaching training targets (e.g., targetintensities) and recovering as intended. If targets are not beingreached as desired by trainer 20, trainer 20 may adjust training in realtime to help reach the targets.

In some embodiments, such a performance alert may itself includespecific coaching advice based on the alert. For example, an alertindicating that an individual 10 is running at a speed above a speedthreshold may be accompanied by a recommendation for the individual 10to slow down. Also for example, an alert indicating fatigue of a player10 (e.g., a heart rate sustained above a threshold level for a thresholdperiod of time, a heart rate above a threshold level in combination witha speed below a threshold level) may be accompanied by a recommendationfor the individual 10 to be replaced. Also for example, an alertindicating a number of hits given or received by an individual 10 perunit time being below a threshold may be accompanied by a recommendationfor the individual 10 to hit more.

Trainers 20 can create such performance alerts via an administrativedevice, which may be a device such as, for example, group monitoringdevice 400 or analysis device 600, described in greater detail below. Insome exemplary embodiments, performance alerts can be created using aremote computer (e.g., by a team manager or medical support person) andcan be transferred to the base station and to any of monitors 200, 250,group monitoring devices 400, or analysis devices 600 (e.g., via theInternet, and/or any of the communications channels described herein).Trainers 20 can create a performance alert by, for example, selecting ametric, selecting conditions (e.g., target metric value, time frame formaintaining target metric value, date range for achieving target, targetmetric range), specifying exceptions, assigning the performance alert toan individual 10 and/or sports object 40 (or a group of individuals 10and/or sports objects 40), and associating the performance alert with asession of athletic activity.

The created performance alert may be viewed in association with itsassociated individual 10 and/or sports object 40 when viewing adashboard (such as, for example, a dashboard showing informationrelating to the associated individual 10 and/or sports object 40displayed by group monitoring device 400 or analysis device 600, see,e.g., FIGS. 16 and 20). Progress of individual 10 and/or sports object40 toward triggering a performance alert (triggering occurs when theconditions of the performance alert are met) can be monitored during asession of athletic activity via group monitoring device 400. Pastperformance alerts that have been triggered can be stored in associationwith individual 10 and/or sports object 40 or a group of individuals 10and/or sports objects 40, and these performance alert histories may beviewed using, for example, group monitoring device 400 or analysisdevice 600. Examples of potential performance alerts include exhibitingan irregular heart rate, exhibiting a body temperature above 38 degreesC. (potentially a sign of hyperthermia), maintaining a heart rate of 85%of maximum or higher for 10 minutes or more, traveling a distance of 900meters at a speed of 6.0 meters per second or more, achieving a trainingload of 700 Watt or more.

In some exemplary embodiments, trainers 20 or other persons can createsystem alerts for system components (e.g., individual monitors 200,object monitors 250, base stations 300, group monitoring devices 400,web server systems 500, analysis devices 600, camera monitoring systems700). System alerts can be configured to, for example, communicateoperating conditions (statuses) of system components. In someembodiments, an alert for a component can be triggered in response to adetermination (e.g., by the associated component, or another systemcomponent in communication therewith) that an operating condition hascrossed a system alert threshold. For example, a system alert may betriggered for a particular individual monitor 200 in response to adetermination by the individual monitor 200 that the remaining batterypower of a battery of the individual monitor 200 has dropped below 5% ofcapacity. Also for example, a system alert may be triggered for aparticular individual monitor 200 in response to a determination by abase station 300 in communication with individual monitor 200 that adata transmission has not been received from the individual monitor 200for a predetermined period of time.

Logic module 312 can transmit information about such alerts (including,e.g., information indicating progress toward triggering an alert andinformation indicating an alert is triggered) to group monitoring device400 (via web server module 314 of base station 300) during athleticactivity of individual 10 and/or use of sports object 40. Theinformation about such alerts can be stored in base station database316.

Web server module 314 can receive metric and alert information fromlogic module 312 for individual monitor 200, individual 10, objectmonitor 250, and/or sports object 40, or for multiple individualmonitors 200, individuals 10, object monitors 250, and/or sports objects40 (including groups of individual monitors 200, individuals 10, objectmonitors 250, and/or sports objects 40). Web server module 314 canrender display code (such as, for example, html5 (hypertext markuplanguage 5) compliant code) based on a request from a client device suchas, for example, group monitoring device 400. In some embodiments, webserver module 314 uses JavaScript® to open and maintain a web socket.Web server module 314 can also serve a security function, by ensuringthat a requesting client device is properly authenticated and that alldata is passed using https (hypertext transfer protocol secure). Webserver module 314 may provide group monitoring device 400 with requestedmetrics and generated alerts during the athletic activity, via, forexample, an API layer.

Group monitoring device 400 can wirelessly receive metrics, alerts, andother information (e.g., identification information and attributes ofindividual monitors 200, individuals 10, object monitors 250, and/orsports objects 40; statistics related to individual monitors 200,individuals 10, object monitors 250, and/or sports objects 40, orstatistics related to the athletic activity generally) from base station300. A single group monitoring device 400 may be in communication withbase station 300, or multiple group monitoring devices 400 may be incommunication with base station 300 simultaneously. Group monitoringdevices 400 may be portable with respect to base station 300 and maycommunicate with base station 300 via, for example, WLAN (wireless localarea network), 2.4 GHz ISM (industrial, scientific, and medical) band,Bluetooth® (or Bluetooth® Low Energy (BTLE)), or cellular protocols. Insome embodiments, modes and/or channels of communication may be selected(e.g., via inputs of base station 300 or remote deices). See, forexample, FIG. 68, which shows an embodiment of display 402 of groupmonitoring device 400, displaying a settings page that presents anoption to select a communication channel for base station 300.

In some exemplary embodiments, group monitoring device 400 includes amodule selection element 446 which allows selection of one or moreoperation modules to be displayed. The operation modules may beselectable using operation module icons. In some exemplary embodiments,selection of a plan module icon 464 may trigger display of a plan moduleincluding features designed to be used to plan a session of athleticactivity. In some exemplary embodiments, selection of a monitor moduleicon 466 may trigger display of a monitor module including featuresdesigned to be used to monitor a session of athletic activity in realtime during the session of athletic activity, as described furtherherein. In some exemplary embodiments, selection of an analyze moduleicon 468 may trigger display of an analyze module including featuresdesigned to be used to analyze a session of athletic activity in realtime during the session of athletic activity, or after completion of thesession of athletic activity, as described further herein. In someexemplary embodiments, selection of a report module icon 470 may triggerdisplay of a report module including features designed to be used todevelop reports (e.g., printable or displayable summaries of selectedinformation) related to a session of athletic activity.

In some exemplary embodiments, group monitoring device 400 includes adisplay 402 and an input 404, as shown, for example, in FIG. 9. In apreferred embodiment, group monitoring device 400 is a tabletcomputing-style device (such as a tablet personal computer or an iPad®,marketed by Apple Inc.®). Group monitoring device 400 may be, however,any other suitable device, such as, for example, a laptop computer, asmartphone, a personal computer, a mobile phone, an e-reader, a PDA(personal digital assistant), a smartphone, a wristwatch device, adisplay integrated into a garment (e.g., into a sleeve or arm band), orother similar device capable of receiving and displaying information andreceiving input. In some embodiments, group monitoring system 100includes a plurality of group monitoring devices 400, which may becarried by individuals 10 (e.g., during participation in a monitoredathletic activity). For simplicity and clarity of explanation, groupmonitoring device 400 is herein described primarily as used by trainer20. Group monitoring device may be used similarly, however, by anyperson, including individuals 10.

In some exemplary embodiments, during a session of athletic activity,trainer 20 may use group monitoring device 400 to receive real timeinformation about individuals 10 and/or sports objects 40. Thisinformation may enable trainer 20 to more easily accomplish a variety ofgoals. In the case that the athletic activity is a fitness exercise,trainer 20 can leverage real time data received about the fatigue ofparticular individuals 10 or groups of individuals 10 in order to, forexample, inform data-driven real time decisions that optimize theperformance of individuals 10 and reduce the potential for injury. Forexample, trainer 20 may modify a current session of athletic activity(e.g., shorten, extend, pause, end, or change the schedule of activityfor the session) based on the information received from group monitoringdevice 400. Trainer 20 may modify the session for particular individuals10, or for groups of individuals 10. In the case that a present sessionof athletic activity has been scheduled using a plan module ofmonitoring device 400 (as described further herein), the plannedschedule can be changed in real time to correspond to decisions oftrainer 20. Similarly, in the case that the athletic activity is acompetition (e.g., a soccer game), trainer 20 can leverage real timedata received about the performance of particular individuals 10 and/orsports objects 40 or groups of individuals 10 and/or sports objects 40in order to, for example, inform data-driven real time decisions thatoptimize the chance for success in the competition. In an exemplaryembodiment, group monitoring device 400 can be used to monitor a singleindividual 10 and/or sports object 40 alone, as well as a group ofindividuals 10 and/or sports objects 40.

In some exemplary embodiments, group monitoring device 400 may be usedby broadcasters of an athletic activity in order to, for example,determine and relay to their audience information about individuals 10participating in the athletic activity and/or sports objects 40 beingused for the athletic activity.

Display 402 functions to display representations of individual monitors200, individuals 10, object monitors 250, and/or sports objects 40(including, for example, identification information, attributes,metrics, and alerts) during participation in a session of athleticactivity by individuals 10 and/or sports objects 40. The representationscan take many forms, including, for example, charts (see FIGS. 13 and14), dashboards (see FIG. 16), graphs (see FIG. 15), maps (see FIG. 16),colors, symbols, text, images, and icons.

Various representations capable of being displayed by display 402 aredescribed in detail herein. For simplicity and clarity of explanation,many of the representations are described with reference to individuals10, and may not refer to sports objects 40. Information relating to oneor more sports objects 40 may be displayed in any of theserepresentations, or in formats similar to any of these representations,similarly as described for individuals 10. Information (includingmetrics) relating to such sports objects 40 may be displayed separatelyfrom information relating to individuals 10, or may be displayedtogether with information relating to individuals 10. Displayedinformation relating to sports objects 40 may be of the same or adifferent type (e.g., a different metric) than that displayed forindividuals 10, whether displayed separately or together.

Input 404 is an interface that allows a user, such as trainer 20, tomanipulate the representations displayed by display 402. In a preferredembodiment input 404 is a touch-screen input. Input 404 may be, however,any other suitable input, such as, for example, a keyboard, avoice-recognition audio input, or push-button inputs. Input 404 mayfurther include a combination of various types of inputs. Input 404 maybe manipulated by trainer 20 to cause display 402 to show desiredrepresentations. The representations can update in real time during theathletic activity through the communication of group monitoring device400 with base station 300, which is in turn in communication withindividual monitors 200 worn by individuals 10 participating in theathletic activity and/or object monitors 250 carried by sports objects40 used for the athletic activity, as described above.

In an exemplary embodiment, trainer 20 accesses group monitoring device400 by inputting unique login credentials via input 404. Alternatively,trainer 20 accesses group monitoring device 400 without inputting logincredentials. Upon accessing group monitoring device 400, trainer 20 maymanipulate input 404 to use group monitoring device 400 to monitorindividuals 10 and/or sports objects 40 in real time. Display 402 ofgroup monitoring device 400 can be fully customizable, and differentpersons using different displays 402 may customize their displaysdifferently. For example, different trainers may have different trainingphilosophies and may desire to view training results in a ways unique totheir training philosophy (e.g., with more emphasis on one metric or setthereof than another metric or set thereof). Group monitoring device 400may be configured according to the specific needs or desires of theparticular trainer using group monitoring display device 400. Further, aweb dashboard (displayed by, for example, analysis device 600, apersonal computer, or other analysis device, via, for example web serversystem 500 or base station 300) for a particular trainer 20 may besimilarly configured to present the information or analysis in the waythat the trainer 20 finds most useful. Multiple monitoring devices 400can be used simultaneously by multiple trainers 20, and each can becustomized independently from the others. Each of multiple monitoringdevices 400 may monitor different individuals 10 and/or sports objects40, or groups thereof. Each of multiple monitoring devices 400 maymonitor and present different information and/or the same information indifferent formats. For example, representations of metrics (e.g.,numerically or graphically) may be presented as absolute values (e.g.,power output) or relative values (e.g., relative power output). Also forexample, colors used to present metrics or other information may beselected by a user.

Each of multiple monitoring devices 400 may be customized to includedifferent alerts and/or markers (as discussed further herein). Suchcustomizability may allow each of a group of trainers 20 to focus on andmonitor different aspects of individuals 10 and/or sports objects 40, orgroups thereof. Each display feature described herein can be modifiedand/or included in a particular view of display 402 at the option of auser of display 402 (e.g., trainer 20). For ease of description,however, display 402 will be presented herein as representing a varietyof different “dashboards”, a dashboard being a visual representation ofone or more elements. In some exemplary embodiments, dashboards can bedefined as default views, which can then be used or modified at theoption of the user. For example, a team view dashboard may representinformation relating to each individual 10 on a team, as well asinformation relating to the team as a whole, while an individual viewdashboard may represent information relating to a particular individual10.

In an exemplary embodiment, display 402 of group monitoring device 400shows a team view dashboard (see, for example, the exemplary display 402of FIGS. 13, 17, 18, and 27-32, 33A, 33B, 34, 35A-35D, and 69-72). Theteam view dashboard may simultaneously display identificationinformation and summary metrics for all individuals 10 presentlyparticipating in the monitored athletic activity, and/or all sportsobjects 40 presently being used for the monitored activity, or one ormore groups thereof. The identification information may includeindividual name 406 and individual jersey number 408, or sports objecttype 417, for example. In some embodiments, a photograph 410 or othergraphic of each individual 10 and/or sports objects 40 is also includedas identification information (see, e.g., FIGS. 27, 28, 31, 32, and33A). The summary metrics shown in the team view dashboard can beconfigured to be the metrics most applicable or most beneficial totrainer 20. In the exemplary display 402 of FIG. 13, present heart rate,speed, training load, and power are shown for each of Player A throughPlayer H (Player A through Player H being individuals 10 presentlyparticipating in the monitored athletic activity), and speed is shownfor a ball (the ball being the sports object 40 presently used for themonitored athletic activity). The metrics shown in FIG. 13 are shown asnumerical values. Display of metrics is not limited to display ofnumerical values, however. Metrics may be represented in other suitableways as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art, such as, forexample, graphically (see, e.g., FIG. 15), or in map form (see, e.g.,FIGS. 16 and 17).

In some embodiments, metrics may be displayed as relative values. Forexample, a present value for a metric may be displayed as a percentageof a value for that metric. For example, a value for a metric may bedisplayed as a percentage of a reference value for that metric. Thereference value can vary for each individual 10 and/or sports object 40,and can be based on the personal ability of an associated individual 10.The reference value can be determined by experiment (e.g., via acalibration assessment activity), can be estimated, can be calculated,or can be otherwise determined.

For example, a relative power metric of an individual 10 may beexpressed as a percentage value, which may represent the present poweroutput of individual 10 as a percentage of a reference (e.g., maximum)power output of the individual 10. In some embodiments power output ofindividual 10 can be approximated based on movement of an upper torso ofindividual 10 (e.g., where an individual monitor 200 is positioned tothe upper torso, and thus closely coupled to the individual 10's centerof mass). Such approximation may not account for power output due tomovement of limbs of individual 10 (i.e., it may only account for poweroutput due to movement of the torso of individual 10), or other unknownfactors, such as, for example, wind resistance and gait differences.

A relative power metric can compensate for such unknown andunaccounted-for factors, by determining a reference power output valuebased on a calibration assessment activity. During the calibrationassessment activity, individual 10 participates in an athletic activityat a high level of intensity (or as otherwise directed), performingmovements typical to the type of athletic activity to be subsequentlymonitored (or as otherwise directed). During this calibration assessmentactivity individual monitor 200 approximates the power output ofmovement of individual 10 (e.g., based on sensed movement of individual10). A reference power output can be determined (e.g., after completionof the calibration assessment activity) based on the power outputapproximated during the activity (in some embodiments, in conjunctionwith other monitored metrics, such as, for example, heart rate).

The reference power output can be calculated by an algorithm with inputof data from the calibration assessment activity, or can be selected bya person visually analyzing a representation of such approximated poweroutput as a function of time (e.g., via group monitoring device 400).The reference power output may be selected as representative of theapproximated power output of individual 10 during the calibrationassessment activity, and can be based on approximated power outputduring a period of relatively stable power output (e.g., the meanapproximated power output during such a period).

Relative power output of individual 10 can be determined as a measure ofmeasured power output (approximated by individual monitor 200), relativeto the reference power output determined during the calibrationassessment activity. For example, relative power output of individual 10can be calculated as power output measured (or approximated) byindividual monitor 200, divided by the reference power output (and, insome embodiments, multiplied by 100 to express relative power output asa percentage value). Thus, relative power output of individual 10 can beexpressed as the percentage power of the individual 10's reference poweroutput that the individual 10 is currently delivering (or was deliveringat the time of measurement). Because such unknown and unaccounted forfactors as described above occur both during the calibration assessmentactivity and the monitored athletic activity, errors introduced intopower output measurements thereby will substantially cancel out in arelative power calculation.

In some embodiments, a trainer 20 may run calibration assessmentactivities for multiple individuals 10, to establish a personalizedreference power output for each individual 10. In this way, power outputcan be directly compared across multiple individuals 10 (e.g., relativepower can be displayed for multiple individuals 10 simultaneously on,for example, display 402 of group monitoring device 400). Relative powerfor multiple individuals 10 can be displayed to trainer 20 (e.g., viagroup monitoring device 400) to facilitate such comparison.

Relative metrics may assist trainer 20 in understanding the intensity ofan individual 10's performance. For example, two individuals 10 of verydifferent fitness levels may have very different power outputs inabsolute terms, even where both individuals 10 are working at similarintensities. Thus, a representation of absolute power outputs would notnecessarily convey the intensity at which individuals 10 are working.But a representation of relative power outputs would, being thatrelative power output is normalized for each individual. Representationsof relative power outputs for each individual 10 can act as anormalization on absolute power output for each individual, to convey toa trainer 20 how hard monitored individuals 10 are workingcomparatively.

In some embodiments, a trainer may monitor multiple individuals 10 usinga common training plan, where the common training plan is based onrelative metrics. By being based on relative metrics, training targets(e.g., of the common training plan) may be effectively normalized overmultiple individuals 10, allowing meaningful evaluation of multipleindividuals 10 of differing personal abilities under the common trainingplan.

In some embodiments, a personal training plan may be developed for afirst individual 10 based on relative metrics. Because the personaltraining plan is based on relative metrics, it can be applied to asecond individual 10 without need for adjustment. For example, apersonalized training plan may be developed for a famous athlete, basedon relative metrics. A fan of that athlete can perform the same trainingplan, even if he is not as physically capable as the famous athlete,because the plan will be normalized to his abilities by use of his ownrelative metrics. Such a plan can be scheduled into group monitoringsystem 100 as described herein.

In some embodiments, training recommendations or automatic training planadjustments may be provided via an administrative device, which may be adevice such as, for example, group monitoring device 400 or analysisdevice 600. During or after an athletic performance, data relating tothe performance may be analyzed by one or more system components ofgroup monitoring system 100 (such data may be analyzed for a singleindividual 10 or for multiple individuals 10 as a group). In analyzingthe performance data, group monitoring system 100 may identify an areafor improvement (e.g., a weakness) in performance. Such a weakness maybe, for example, a metric for an individual 10 that is more than athreshold amount lower than an average for that metric among individual10's teammates, or a metric for a team of individuals 10 that isimproving at a lower rate than other metrics for the team. Groupmonitoring system 100 may determine training recommendations to addressthe identified area for improvement based on such analysis. In someembodiments, training recommendations are based on data from individualmonitors 200 only, from object monitors 250 only, or from bothindividual monitors 200 and object monitors 250.

In some embodiments, group monitoring device 400 may display arepresentation of such training recommendation. In some embodiments,where a training plan is established in association with groupmonitoring system 100, group monitoring system 100 may compare thetraining plan (for the relevant individual 10 or group) with thetraining recommendation. If the training plan does not include trainingof the training recommendation, group monitoring system may recommend orautomatically adjust the training plan based on such analysis, toinclude training of the training recommendation. In some embodiments,where a training plan is not established in association with groupmonitoring system 100, group monitoring system 100 may recommend orautomatically establish a training plan (for the relevant individual 10or group) with the training recommendation.

For example, where analyzed metrics or alerts indicate sub-optimalrunning-related performance by an individual 10 or group of individuals10 (e.g., a number of alerts above a threshold number), a trainingrecommendation to provide more or different running training may beprovided, or a training plan may be automatically established oradjusted to include more or different running-related drills. Also forexample, where analyzed metrics or alerts indicate sub-optimal energyoutput by an individual 10 or group of individuals 10, a trainingrecommendation to eat particular energy-providing foods may be provided,or a diet plan may be automatically established or adjusted to includeparticular energy-providing foods. Also for example, where analyzedmetrics or alerts indicate sub-optimal fatigue tolerance by anindividual 10 or group of individuals 10, a training recommendation tosleep at a particular time or for a particular amount of time may beprovided, or a sleep plan may be automatically established or adjustedto include a particular time or for a particular amount of time forsleep. Also for example, a training recommendation to adjust a techniquefor performing an athletic act (e.g., a kick of a ball, a swing of abat) may be provided based on analyzed metrics or alerts relating to aprevious act by individual 10 (e.g., to achieve greater distance,height, or speed of the kicked ball; or to achieve more consistentcontact with a ball with a swing of the bat).

In some embodiments, training plans can be exported, sold, or shared(e.g., using secondary servers as described herein). In this way, anindividual 10 may acquire, for example, a training plan used by a famousathlete or sports team, a training plan tailored to improve a weaknessof the individual 10, a training plan tailored to the position played bythe individual 10, or a training plan tailored to a particular trainingphilosophy (e.g., training in the mornings, training in warm weather, ortraining in sunshine).

Further, sharing of plans among coaches, trainers, physicians, and otherinterested parties of a given team can facilitate collaboration anddevelopment of comprehensive training strategies. For example, the groupmonitoring system 100 may enable coaches and trainers to analyze andprepare reports based on the data they collect from one or more trainingsessions. (Such data may include, for example, customized metrics andperformance alerts created by the coach or trainer.) This may allow thecoach or trainer to quickly and easily share the reports of each sessionwith other coaches or trainers, to receive reports from other coaches ortrainers, and to plan for the next session based on the reports. Thereports may be tailored to provide a custom analysis to support eachcoach or trainer's philosophy for training, and may be provided via, forexample, a web system (e.g., web server system 500).

In some embodiments, group monitoring device 400 may provide real-timeanalysis and summary reports during training that help trainers 20respond in real time to characteristics of individuals 10 and/or sportsobjects 40. Trainers 20 may compare individual metrics with those of therest of the team. This feedback can help trainers 20 motivateindividuals 10, or even other trainers.

In some embodiments, a relative metric may be incorporated into anefficiency metric. For example, an efficiency metric may be based onrelative power of an individual 10 in comparison to heart rate of theindividual 10 (e.g., a relative heart rate, determined similarly asdescribed above for relative power output), to determine a measure ofindividual 10's relative power as a function of relative heart rate,which can be considered a measure of the efficiency of individual 10.

In some exemplary embodiments, for example, display 402 of FIG. 27,heart rate, power, distance, and efficiency are shown for each of PlayerA through Player L, with these values for additional players availableto be viewed by scrolling down past Player L. Also shown for each ofPlayer A through Player L are fields for alerts (e.g., performancealerts) and notes. In some exemplary embodiments, as depicted in, forexample, FIGS. 27 and 31, note icons 425 and alert icons 432 mayindicate the presence of notes or alerts. Selection of such note icons425 and alert icons 432 may trigger display of additional informationrelated to an associated note or icon. For example, the team viewdashboard of FIG. 27 indicates that player A has 1 alert, Player E has 3alerts, and Player L has 2 alerts, and that each of Players A, D, E, I,and K have notes associated with their entries. Such notes and alertsare described in greater detail herein. Such notes and alerts may bedisplayed similarly for sports object 40.

In some exemplary embodiments, display 402 displays a subset of allmonitored individuals 10. In this way trainer 20 can focus on particularindividuals 10. In some exemplary embodiments, the subset of individuals10 displayed can be defined by trainer 20, and display 402 can include aselection feature, for example, selection feature 428 of FIGS. 28 and29, that allows trainer 20 to select to include or not includeparticular individuals 10 in the viewable subset.

Additionally or alternatively, the team view dashboard may show groupsummary metrics for groups of individuals 10 participating in themonitored athletic activity. The group summary metrics may be averagesof the corresponding metrics for each individual 10 belonging to thegroup, or the group summary metrics may be calculated using anindependent algorithm designed to reflect a desired attribute of thegroup as a whole. In the exemplary display 402 of FIG. 13, presentaverage heart rate, speed, training load, and power are shown for theteam (i.e., Player A through Player H), and for a group including asub-set of the team (i.e., Player A, Player C, and Player E). The valuesfor heart rate, speed, training load, and power may update in real timeduring the athletic activity so as to reflect present values.

Team view dashboard is not limited to display of heart rate, speed,training load, and power, and is not limited to the display of 4metrics. Team view dashboard can be customized to display those metricsmost applicable or most beneficial to trainer 20, and may display, forexample 3 to 5 distinct metrics for each individual 10 and/or sportsobjects 40. In some exemplary embodiments the metrics displayed can beset prior to the athletic activity during a setup procedure. In someexemplary embodiments the metrics displayed can be changed during theathletic activity by manipulation of input 404.

In some exemplary embodiments, for example, display 402 of FIGS. 69-72,relative metrics of a plurality of individuals 10 may be displayed. Forexample, in the embodiments of FIGS. 69-72, relative power and relativeheart rate are displayed in chart 411 for a plurality of individuals 10.Also in the embodiments of FIGS. 69-72, efficiency of individuals 10 isdisplayed. Efficiency is represented by the overlay comparison ofrelative heart rate and relative power output in the same chart 411,which conveys a measure of the difference between relative heart rateand relative power output for each individual 10.

A particular metric of the displayed metrics in team dashboard view maybe designated as a featured metric 414, which may be displayed withemphasis relative to other metrics. A featured metric may beindependently designated (e.g., by trainer 20) for an individual 10, orfor a group of individuals 10. Featured metric 414 may be displayed moreprominently or in greater detail than other metrics, in order to allowtrainer 20 to easily get an at-a-glance view of the featured metricacross all individuals 10 participating in the athletic activity. Insome exemplary embodiments featured metric 414 may be changed duringmonitoring of the athletic activity to any available metric, byappropriate manipulation of input 404 (e.g., selecting the metricdesired to be featured, such as by selecting one of featured metricoptions 430 shown in, for example, FIG. 30). In some exemplaryembodiments trainer 20 can toggle back and forth between featured metricviews.

Featured metric 414 may be featured in a variety of ways. For example,it may be displayed in a color (or with a background color) differentfrom that of the other displayed metrics, it may be displayed largerthan the other metrics, it may flash or blink, it may include a largerbackground area than that of other metrics, it may be positioned closestto the identification information of individuals 10, it may include astatus bar, chart, or graph (e.g., status bar 462), or it may exhibit acombination of these or other characteristics. In the exemplary display402 of FIG. 13, heart rate is featured by including a larger backgroundarea than that of the other metrics and by being positioned closest tothe identification information of individuals 10. In the exemplarydisplay 402 of FIG. 27, power is featured by including a status bar nextto the power entry for each individual 10. In the exemplary display ofFIGS. 30 and 32, power is further featured by additionally displaying avalue representing power larger than other values. In the exemplarydisplay 402 of FIG. 31, heart rate is featured by including a status barand by presenting a value representing heart rate larger than othervalues.

Some exemplary embodiments may, if alerts have been established (e.g.,performance alerts for a metric of an individual 10, or system alertsfor a system component), include an indication of whether a value of themetric or status is within particular zones relative to the alertparameters. For example, a color of the background area of the metric orstatus may change, or an icon may appear, based on, for example, whetherthe value is within or outside the zone, or on the proximity of thevalue to a threshold. In an exemplary embodiment where an alert isestablished for maintaining a heart rate of 85% of maximum or higher for10 minutes or more, when a value of the heart rate of individual 10 isat 85% of maximum or higher, the background of the area containing theheart rate value of individual 10 is green, and when the heart rate hasbeen at 85% of maximum or higher for 10 minutes or more, a star iconappears in the area containing the heart rate value of individual 10,and an audio sound is played by a speaker of group monitoring device400. In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in, for example, FIGS.31-33A, an indication that an alert has been triggered can be providedby a change in color of the area around the name of an associatedindividual 10, and a circle or other alert icon 432 representing thealert can be presented indicating the presence and/or number of alertsthat are associated with the individual 10. The change in color may bemaintained as long as an alert is active, or may change at thetriggering of the alert, and fade or change back to its original colorafter a period of time. In some exemplary embodiments, individualmonitors 200 can provide indication of an alert to an associatedindividual 10 via, for example, emitting an audible noise (e.g., via aspeaker), vibrating, or providing a visual indication (e.g., via an LEDor LCD display).

In some exemplary embodiments, if an alert is triggered, trainer 20 canselect a representation of the alert to thereby access more informationabout the alert, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 33A and 34. In someexemplary embodiments, selecting the representation of the alert leadsto a detailed chart view of the metric that triggered the alert. In someexemplary embodiments, display 402 may display all active alerts, at apoint or period in time, for all monitored individuals 10 or subsetsthereof. In some exemplary embodiments, new alerts can be indicated by,for example, a flashing icon or a temporary pop-up box 434 showinginformation relating to the new alert, as is shown in the exemplaryembodiments of FIGS. 33A, 33B, 34, and 35A-35D, for example.

In some exemplary embodiments, pop-up box 434 includes information abouta single alert (e.g., FIG. 33A). In some exemplary embodiments, pop-upbox 434 includes information about multiple alerts (e.g., FIGS. 33B, 65,66). The multiple alerts can be displayed according to any suitablecriteria. For example, the multiple alerts may be active alerts relatedto a particular or group of individual monitors 200, individuals 10,object monitors 250, and/or sports objects 40, may be all active alerts,or may be alerts triggered within some time period prior to the presenttime. In some exemplary embodiments, pop-up box 434 indicates thepresence and/or number of alerts triggered. This number may include, forexample, all active alerts, all unviewed alerts, or the number of alertstriggered within some time period prior to the present time (e.g., FIGS.35C, 65). In some exemplary embodiments, a pop-up box 434 indicating thenumber of alerts triggered appears in the place of a pop-up box 434including additional alert information when the number of alerts to bedisplayed is above some threshold number.

In some exemplary embodiments, an alert management window 438 can bedisplayed in response to selection of an alert management icon 448, asdepicted in, for example, FIG. 35D. Alert management window 438 mayinclude information about all active alerts or a subset thereof, and mayallow dismissal or acknowledgement of such alerts.

In some exemplary embodiments, the team view dashboard is sortable inreal time. Trainer 20 may manipulate input 404 so as to cause display402 to show information for individuals 10 sorted by a desired metric.For example, trainer 20 may select a displayed heart rate metric (by,for example, selecting the metric label or a sort icon associated withthe metric), and the information for individuals 10 may be rearranged soas to be represented in ascending or descending order. For example, FIG.19 shows individuals 10 rearranged from the individual 10 with thelowest heart rate to the individual 10 with the highest heart rate.Further selections of the heart rate metric may cause the informationfor individuals 10 to change from ascending to descendingrepresentations, and vice versa. In some exemplary embodiments, trainer20 may similarly sort by, for example, name 406, position in space(e.g., location on the field or court), position on team (e.g.,goalkeeper, defender, point guard), jersey number 408, physiologicalstatus, connection status, or active alerts. Such features can allowtrainer 20 to easily see which individuals 10 have high and low metricsrelative to other individuals 10.

In some exemplary embodiments, the team view dashboard is filterable inreal time. Trainer 20 may manipulate input 404 so as to cause display402 to show information for a subset of individuals 10. For example,trainer 20 may select one or more groups representing a subset ofindividuals 10. Groups can be selected in a variety of ways. In someexemplary embodiments trainer 20 selects a group label or a filter iconassociated with the group. In some exemplary embodiments trainer 20selects individuals to create a group in real time. In some exemplaryembodiments trainer 20 inputs information used to identify members of agroup, such as, for example, all individuals 10 having higher than aparticular a heart rate, all individuals 10 having higher than aparticular training load percentage, all individuals assigned aparticular position, or all individuals having a particularphysiological status. When a group is selected the display may changesuch that information for only those individuals 10 that are included inthe group is displayed. Such features can allow trainer 20 to easilyfocus on the metrics associated with a group of individuals 10.

In some exemplary embodiments, the team view dashboard can also be usedto monitor the status of connection of individual monitors 200 to basestation 300. If, for example, an individual 10 travels out of range ofbase station 300, base station 300 may not receive normal transmissionsfrom the individual monitor 200 of that individual 10. The team viewdashboard can indicate that no data is being received by base station300 for that individual 10 by, for example, graying out theidentification information of that individual 10 (see, e.g., Player G ofFIGS. 27, 31, 32, and 34), by including a strikethrough throughinformation relating to that individual 10, or by including an icon inassociation with the identification information of that individual 10.

In some exemplary embodiments, alternative representations can replacethe above-described representation of FIG. 13, or can be used asselectable alternative views, allowing trainer 20 to choose between theabove-described representation and the alternative representations. Thealternative representations of FIGS. 17 and 18 include multiple panels,each showing information for a particular individual 10. FIG. 17includes a location component 412 showing the present location ofindividuals 10 on playing field 30, where individuals 10 are depictedrepresented by their identifying numbers. In some exemplary embodiments,as depicted in, for example, FIG. 60, individuals 10 are represented bytheir photographs. FIG. 18 includes a featured metric 414 (heart rate)displayed prominently in the center of each panel, as well as a key 416showing what metric the values in each panel represent. Trainer 20 mayselect a metric on key 416 to have it displayed as the featured metric414. FIG. 18 also includes a list of individuals 10 not activelymonitored. Trainer 20 may select an individual 10 from this list toactively monitor that individual. Operation of the alternativerepresentations of FIGS. 17 and 18 is similar to operation of theabove-described representation of FIG. 13.

In some exemplary embodiments, location component 412 shows the presentlocation of individuals 10 on the playing field, and selection of arepresentation of one of individuals 10 triggers display of a status boxdisplaying information about the current status of the selectedindividual 10. In some exemplary embodiments, as depicted in, forexample, FIG. 60, location component 412 may include a heat map 413,providing a visual indication of concentrations of individuals 10 inareas of the playing field, which information may help trainer 20determine whether to redistribute individuals 10. Such visual indicationmay include coloring areas of higher concentration of individuals 10differently from areas of lower concentrations of individuals 10.Location component 412 can be used to monitor individuals 10 in realtime, or can be used to review the locations of individuals 10 from apast session of athletic activity or earlier in the present session ofathletic activity.

In an exemplary embodiment, display 402 of group monitoring device 400shows an individual view dashboard (see, for example, the exemplarydisplays 402 of FIGS. 16 and 36A, 36B, 37A, 37B, and 38-41). Trainer 20may access an individual view dashboard by, for example, selecting anindividual 10 on the team view dashboard. The individual view dashboardmay show information about the selected individual 10, such as, forexample, biographical information (e.g., photograph 410, name 406,jersey number 408, position), attributes (e.g., height, weight), metrics(e.g., time active, heart rate, speed, distance traveled, intensitylevel, training load, efficiency, location), statistics (e.g., pointsscored), alerts, notes, and condition (e.g., active, healthy,rehabilitation). In some exemplary embodiments the individual viewdashboard shows different information about the selected individual 10than that shown in the embodiment of FIG. 16.

In some exemplary embodiments, when trainer 20 selects an informationentry, a detailed view of that information may be displayed. Forexample, if trainer 20 selects ‘heart rate’ on the individual viewdashboard for Player A shown in FIG. 16, display 402 may display adetailed chart and/or graph 418 showing a history of Player A's heartrate throughout the present athletic activity (see, e.g., FIG. 20). Insome exemplary embodiments, trainer 20 may select a ‘power’ indicator onthe individual view dashboard, and display 402 may display a detailedchart and/or graph 418 showing a history of the selected player's power(see, e.g., FIG. 36A).

In some exemplary embodiments, any applicable alert information (e.g.,training zones, thresholds) specific to the selected metric for selectedindividual 10 is displayed in the detailed view. For example, as shownin the detailed views of FIGS. 20 and 36A, training zones 420 for PlayerA's heart rate are overlaid on graph 418 of Player A's heart rate. Insome exemplary embodiments, areas of zones 420 may be highlighted wherecoincident with data of graph 418, as depicted in, for example, FIG.36B. Also, for example, as shown in the detailed view of FIG. 36A,training zones 420 (e.g., for a player's speed) may be displayed in apie chart 472. In some exemplary embodiments, alerts relevant to aparticular metric may be indicated by an icon displayed in associationwith the chart and/or graph indicative of that metric. For example, inthe detailed view of FIG. 39, an alert icon 432 indicates an alertassociated with the player's heart rate, and an alert icon 432 indicates3 alerts associated generally with the player.

Selection of these alerts may trigger presentation of more detailedinformation about the alert, for example, in the form of a pop-upgraphic 434, as shown in FIG. 40. In some exemplary embodiments, trainer20 can select multiple information entries and display 402 canincorporate information regarding the selected multiple informationentries in the detailed view. For example, FIG. 20 shows Player A'sspeed shown in graph 418 of display 402. In some exemplary embodiments,display 402 may display additional detailed charts and/or graphs 436while displaying the primary chart and/or graph 418. In some exemplaryembodiments, the additional detailed charts and/or graphs 436 aredisplayed less prominently (e.g., smaller) than the primary chart and/orgraph 418, as depicted in, for example, FIGS. 36A and 39. In someexemplary embodiments, if an area on chart and/or graph 418 is selected(e.g., by trainer 20), more detailed information about the displayedmetric may be displayed. For example, selecting near a particular pointon a line graph may trigger display of a graphic 474 indicating thevalue of one or more metrics at that point (see, e.g., FIGS. 37B and38). In some exemplary embodiments, chart and/or graph 418 may includeinformation indicative of more than one metric. For example, chartand/or graph 418 may include power and heart rate on the same chartand/or graph (see, e.g., FIGS. 37A and 37B).

In some exemplary embodiments, chart and/or graph 418 may include metricinformation for past sessions of athletic activity, which may be storedwithin group monitoring device 400 or transmitted thereto by, forexample, base station 300. In some exemplary embodiments, chart and/orgraph 418 may include information indicative of more than one timeperiod for one or more metrics. For example, chart and/or graph 418 mayinclude heart rate information for the present or most recent session ofathletic activity separate from or overlaid with heart rate informationfor one or more prior sessions of athletic activity on the same chartand/or graph.

In some exemplary embodiments, trainer 20 may input notes about aparticular individual 10, group of individuals 10, or team, by, forexample, selecting a note field 422 of the individual view dashboard, asshown in, for example, FIGS. 16 and 41. In some exemplary embodiments,note field 422 may indicate the presence of notes, display notes, and/orprovide an option or input to create new notes. In some exemplaryembodiments, selection of note field 422, or otherwise accessing noteadding capability, may cause display 402 to display a create note window439 where trainer 20 can input a note, as shown in, for example, FIG.44.

Selecting note field 422 may cause a free-text note entry field toappear, into which trainer 20 can enter text. In some embodiments,selecting note field 422 causes a microphone in group monitoring device400 to activate and record voice input of trainer 20, allowing trainer20 to record a voice note. Trainer 20 may input desired information innote field 422, such as, for example, a reminder to closely monitor theheart rate of individual 10, a reminder that individual 10 appearsdehydrated, a determination that individual 10 should be congratulatedfor a good play, or a determination that the team should practice aparticular play. In some exemplary embodiments, notes include timeinformation, indicating, for example, the time to which a note pertains,or the time a note was created or modified, which can be useful for alater correlation between recorded data and the notes. Such timeinformation may be entered manually or determined automatically.

In some exemplary embodiments, trainer 20 may select markers 440 toinclude in a session timeline 424. Such markers 440 may be selectedbefore (e.g., using a plan module, as described further herein), during,or after the athletic activity. Session timeline 424 may keep track ofthe time elapsed or remaining in a session of athletic activity, or in asubset or interval of the session of athletic activity, and may berepresented by, for example, numerical values (e.g., numerical value450) or a moving point on a line representing total session time, asshown in, for example, FIGS. 13, 16, 19, 20, and 27-44. A marker 440 maybe used to identify events within a training session. A trainer 20 mayselect a marker 440 by, for example, selecting an add marker button 426(see, e.g., FIGS. 13, 16, 20, and 42A), or by selecting a point onsession timeline 424, for example.

In some exemplary embodiments, selection of add marker button 426 causesdisplay 402 to display an add marker window 442, allowing input ofparameters to define the marker, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 42E and43. Add marker window 442 may include a note input area 444 wheretrainer 20 can input a note associated with a marker 440. A marker 440may be associated with a team as a whole, with sub-groups of individuals10, or with a particular individual 10. When selecting a marker 440,trainer 20 may designate the marker type, which can be, for example, an“activity start” marker to designate the point at which an activitystarts, an “activity stop” marker to designate the point at which anactivity stops, or a “flag marker” to designate the point at which aparticular event occurs. For activity-based markers, marker attributesmay include the type of activity (e.g., cardio, drill, strength,recovery, other) and the activity name, for example. For flag-basedmarkers, marker attributes may include the type of flag (e.g., injury,rest, off field, out of range).

In some exemplary embodiments, markers 440 include time information,indicating, for example, the time to which a marker 440 pertains, or thetime a marker 440 was created and/or modified, which can be useful for alater correlation between recorded data and the markers. Such timeinformation may be entered manually or determined automatically. In someexemplary embodiments, trainer 20 can input notes to be associated withthe marker, or with a particular point on session timeline 424. In someexemplary embodiments, as depicted in, for example, FIGS. 27 and 31,note icons 425 positioned at points on session timeline 424 canrepresent such notes. Attributes of markers 440 may be designated bytrainer in real time, or can be pre-defined. Markers 440 can beassociated with session timeline 424 at the time they are created, orcan be associated with any other time on session timeline 424. Markerscan be useful to trainer 20 in analyzing the performance of individuals10 during the athletic activity as well as after the athletic activity,by associating contextual information with particular times andindividuals. In some exemplary embodiments, if a part of a session ismarked with activity markers, past data from the same types ofactivities of an individual 10 can be retrieved and overlaid with morerecent (including presently generated) data of the individual 10,thereby facilitating comparison of data for an individual 10. Markers440 and their use, as described herein, can apply to a particularindividual 10, or to groups of individuals 10 (e.g., one or more teamsor leagues of individuals 10, or one or more sub-groups of one or moreteams or leagues of individuals 10).

In some exemplary embodiments, analysis markers 440 can be defined andmanipulated by a user (e.g., trainer 20). Analysis markers 440 can beused as boundaries to define a subset of metric information as afunction of an interval parameter. Group monitoring device 400 may thendisplay metric information (e.g., performance metric information, suchas, for example, heart rate) corresponding only to the subset of metricinformation defined by analysis markers 440. Analysis markers 440 can bedefined for a particular individual 10, or for a group of individuals10. An interval parameter may be any parameter that can have adesignated first point and second point, which can be designated by, forexample, a first analysis marker 440 and a second analysis marker 440,thereby defining an interval therebetween suitable to measureperformance. For example, the interval parameter may be time ordistance.

In some exemplary embodiments, analysis markers 440 define a portion ofthe athletic activity engaged in by individuals 10. The portion ofathletic activity may be, for example, warmup, a drill, live play, cooldown, a line drill, sprints, repeated sprints, a conditioning drill, astrength training drill, a tactical drill, or a skills drill for aparticular sport. For example, if a conditioning drill begins 10 minutesinto an athletic activity, and ends 15 minutes into the athleticactivity, a first analysis marker 440 may designate a time 10 minutesinto the athletic activity, and a second analysis marker 440 maydesignate a time 15 minutes into the athletic activity, thereby defininga 5 minute interval therebetween, corresponding to the conditioningdrill.

In some exemplary embodiments, analysis markers 440 may be defined basedon past metric information, by manipulating input 404 after the sessionof athletic activity (e.g., defining an interval in the past). In someexemplary embodiments, analysis markers 440 may be defined based onpresent metric information, by manipulating input 404 during the sessionof athletic activity (e.g., defining a beginning point in real timeduring the athletic activity, and then an ending point in real time). Insome exemplary embodiments, analysis markers 440 may be defined based onexpected future metric information or expected activity, by manipulatinginput 404 before the session of athletic activity (e.g., definingexpected beginning and ending points in time during a planned session ofathletic activity).

When defined based on expected future metric information, groupmonitoring device 400 can be used to coordinate the planned session ofathletic activity, by scheduling intervals of particular athleticactivity. For example, analysis markers 440 may define a conditioningdrill to take place in the first 5 minutes of athletic activity, astrength training drill in the following 5 minutes, and a skills drillin the following 5 minutes. Group monitoring device 400 may indicate totrainer 20 when an interval is scheduled to begin and end, and when atransition between intervals is scheduled to take place, and trainer 20may communicate this information to individuals 10. In some exemplaryembodiments, base station 300 may send a signal to individual monitors200 indicating the transition between intervals, or the beginning or endof a particular interval, and individual monitors 200 may communicatethis information to individuals 10 via, for example, emitting an audiblenoise (e.g., via a speaker), vibrating, or providing a visual indication(e.g., via an LED or LCD display). In this way, individuals 10 can bealerted as to the start or end of a portion of athletic activitycorresponding to a defined interval.

In some exemplary embodiments, to facilitate planning a session ofathletic activity, display 402 may display a plan module, which mayinclude utilities useable to plan the session of athletic activity, asdepicted in, for example, FIGS. 45-51. Display 402 may include sessionduration 482, which may be manipulated by a user to define the durationof a session of athletic activity. Display 402 may display a sessiontimeline 424, which may indicate a timeline for a planned session ofathletic activity. Trainer 20 may select points and portions of sessiontimeline 424 in order to define intervals of athletic activity scheduledat the selected times. Such intervals of athletic activity may bescheduled for an entire team of individuals 10, for other groups ofindividuals 10, or for single individuals 10. In an exemplaryembodiment, depicted, for example, in FIG. 45, intervals of athleticactivity are scheduled for groups of individuals 10, and these groupsare displayed with their own timelines 478. In some exemplaryembodiments, timelines 478 are aligned with session timeline 424 suchthat, upon selection of a point on session timeline 424, or uponoccurrence of a time corresponding to the point, a line or otherindicator 494 extends to corresponding points on timelines 478, asdepicted in, for example, FIG. 46. In some exemplary embodiments, planmodule may include utilities useable to schedule multiple sessions ofathletic activity, as depicted in, for example, FIGS. 50 and 51.

Various parameters can be defined in association with a planned sessionof athletic activity and/or the intervals thereof, including, forexample, markers, training targets and alerts, as well as intensitylevels. In some exemplary embodiments, such parameters can be defined byselection using options and/or menus 480, as depicted in, for example,FIGS. 45-47, selection of which may trigger display of a training targetand alert window 486, as depicted in, for example, FIG. 49. Trainingtarget and alert window 486 may allow selection of a metric (e.g., heartrate, power, speed), and definition of training or alert zones relativeto a percentage of a maximum value for the metric. Training target andalert window 486 may also allow for definition of training or alertzones bounded by definite values of the metric. In some exemplaryembodiments, markers 440 defined in association with a planned sessionof athletic activity may be displayed on session timeline 424 during thesession of athletic activity, as depicted in, for example, FIG. 42E.Display 402 may be configured to allow modification, addition, ordeletion of such markers 440 by trainer 20 during the session ofathletic activity.

In some exemplary embodiments, such parameters (e.g., markers, trainingtargets, alerts, intensity levels) can be defined by selection of apoint on timeline 478, as depicted in, for example, FIG. 47. In someexemplary embodiments, such selection of a point on timeline 478 maytrigger display of options and/or menus 481 for input of markers,training targets, alerts, and/or intensity levels associated with apoint in time or interval corresponding to the selected point. In someexemplary embodiments, such selection of a point on timeline 478 maytrigger a window for input of an alert or marker associated with thepoint in time or interval corresponding to the selected point.

In some exemplary embodiments, as depicted in, for example, FIG. 48,display 402 displays an edit activity window 484, which includes optionsand inputs facilitating defining of various aspects of an activityassociated with an interval of a session of athletic activity. Variousactivities (e.g., drills, games, tests, training components) may bestored in a database (e.g., base station database 316, or a memoryincluded in group monitoring device 400). Edit activity window 484 mayallow a user to search for an activity by choosing a training component(e.g., warm up, drills, competition), choosing an intensity level (e.g.,low, medium, high), and choosing the number of players involved. Editactivity window 484 may provide results showing activities matching theinput search criteria. Edit activity window 484 may provide an option toassign the resultant activities to individuals 10 or groups thereof, andto choose coaches or trainers 20 to manage the assigned activities. Editactivity window may also allow association of such an activity with atime and duration, thereby scheduling an interval of the session ofathletic activity. Such activities may be designated by markers 440,which may be displayed on session timeline 424 during the session ofathletic activity, as depicted in, for example, FIG. 42E. Suchactivities may be designated prior to a session of athletic activity(e.g., using a plan module of group monitoring device 400), during asession of athletic activity, or after a session of athletic activity.

In some exemplary embodiments, as depicted in, for example, FIG. 50,display 402 may display a calendar 488 representing sessions of athleticactivity and intervals thereof that are scheduled for a set time period(e.g., one week, one month, five days, one day). The displayed timeperiod may be defined by a user. Display 402 may display sessions ofathletic activity and intervals thereof scheduled for the past, present,and/or future. In some exemplary embodiments, the types of sessions ofathletic activity and intervals thereof displayed may be filteredaccording to criteria input or selected by a user. In some embodiments,sessions of athletic activity can be scheduled via a device (e.g., groupmonitoring device 400, analysis device 600, a remote computer) incommunication with base station 300. In some embodiments, sessions ofathletic activity can be scheduled in a training calendar, such as, forexample, calendar 488. In some embodiments, athletic events (e.g.,games, performances, competitions) can be scheduled in the trainingcalendar. In some embodiments, a training program (e.g., multipletraining sessions) can be scheduled in the training calendar. In someembodiments, group monitoring system 100 may suggest (e.g., via groupmonitoring device 400) scheduling for a training program, based aroundevents already scheduled (e.g., group monitoring system may suggest aneasy training activity the day before a competition scheduled in thetraining calendar, or a day of no training following a race scheduled inthe training calendar).

In some exemplary embodiments, as depicted in, for example, FIG. 51,selection of a particular time period displayed in calendar 488 (e.g., aparticular day), may trigger display of a detailed view of scheduledevents for the selected time period. For example, a detailed schedulewindow 490 may display an overall session of athletic activity scheduledfor the selected time period, as well as intervals of the session ofathletic activity and their characteristics (e.g., type of interval,applicability of interval to particular groups or individuals 10,beginning and end times of interval, description of activities to beperformed during interval, location of interval).

In some exemplary embodiments, as depicted in, for example, FIG. 52,display 402 displays a session list 492, which may depict a list ofscheduled sessions of athletic activity, as well as intervals ofathletic activity associated therewith. Session list 492 may displaysessions of athletic activity scheduled for times that have passed,scheduled for the present (e.g., the present time or day), and scheduledfor the future.

In some exemplary embodiments, display 402 may display a session controlmonitor 452, which may provide information relating to a past, ongoing,or future session of athletic activity, as depicted in, for example,FIGS. 42A and 42B. When used during a session of athletic activity,session control monitor 452 may help trainer 20 facilitate the session,by, in addition to providing information about individuals 10, byproviding a session information feature 454, as depicted in, forexample, Figures and 42A and 42F. Session information feature 454 mayprovide information about, for example, a present interval of athleticactivity. In some exemplary embodiments, session information feature 454may include a diagram 456 depicting intended movement of individuals 10during, for example, a particular play or other strategic action. Insome exemplary embodiments, session information feature 454 may includedescription 458 of, for example, a particular play or other strategicaction. In some exemplary embodiments, session information feature 454may include a schedule 460 of, for example, past and/or upcomingintervals of athletic activity.

In some exemplary embodiments, selection of an entry in schedule 460 maytrigger display of a session information feature 454 related to thatentry, as depicted in, for example, FIG. 42F. Session timeline 424 mayinclude information displayed in schedule 460, such that selection of apoint on session timeline may trigger display of information relevant tothat point in the session (e.g., time selected, interval of athleticactivity scheduled for time selected). Such information may be displayedin, for example, a timeline information window 476, as depicted in, forexample, FIGS. 42C and 42D. This information can be useful to trainer 20to facilitate an ongoing session of athletic activity, and can bedefined in advance of the session of athletic activity. In someexemplary embodiments, information in session information feature 454can be defined after, and applied to, a past session of athleticactivity, and can be used, for example, to help trainer 20 analyze thepast session.

In some exemplary embodiments, as depicted in, for example, FIG. 54,display 402 includes a status icon 496 that, when selected, triggersdisplay of a status menu 498. Status menu 498 may display informationabout the statuses of various components of group monitoring system 100.Status menu 498 may include information about, for example, the batterylife remaining in group monitoring device 400 or base station 300, theconnectivity and/or signal strength between group monitoring device 400and base station 300, the connectivity and/or signal strength betweengroup monitoring device 400 and the Internet or other network, and thenumber of individuals connected to base station 300.

In some embodiments, individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250each includes a position module 216 for determining data indicative ofthe location of individual monitor 200 and/or object monitor 250 (andthus the location of individual 10 carrying individual monitor 200and/or sports object 40 carrying object monitor 250). In someembodiments, display 402 of group monitoring device 400 depicts thelocation of individuals 10 and/or sports objects 40, based on the dataindicative of the location of individual monitor 200 and/or objectmonitor 250.

In some embodiments, such depiction of the location of individuals 10and/or sports objects 40 may be in the form of a graphicalrepresentation such as, for example, a map (e.g., a map of the playingfield on which individuals 10 and/or objects 40 are located, showing thelocations of individuals 10 and/or objects 40 in relation to features ofthe playing field such as, for example, boundary lines and goals). Forexample, FIG. 17 includes location component 412 showing the location ofindividuals 10 and a sports object 40 on playing field 30, whereindividuals 10 are represented by their identifying numbers. Depictionof individuals 10 and/or sports object 40 with respect to features ofthe playing field can be helpful to a viewer of display 402 (e.g., areferee or official charged with overseeing the athletic activity) tomonitor the activity (e.g., to determine whether an individual 10traveled outside a boundary line, or whether a ball entered a goalzone).

In some embodiments, display 402 of group monitoring device 400 depictsthe present locations of individuals 10 and/or sports objects 40. Insome embodiments, display 402 of group monitoring device 400 depictspast locations of individuals 10 and/or sports objects 40 (e.g., replaysdisplay of the locations). In some embodiments display 402 of groupmonitoring device 400 depicts the past locations during the athleticactivity. In some embodiments display 402 of group monitoring device 400depicts the past locations after the athletic activity.

In some exemplary embodiments, display 402 of group monitoring device400 depicts locations of individuals 10 and/or sports objects 40simultaneously with orientations of individuals 10 and/or sports objects40.

In some exemplary embodiments, display 402 of group monitoring device400 displays recommendations based on metrics. For example, display 402may display a recommendation based on location information of one ormore individuals 10 (e.g., based on location information showing aconcentration of individuals 10 in one area, display 402 may display arecommendation that individuals 10 spread out over the playing field).Such recommendations can be tailored as desired (e.g., to a particularsituation, type of game, to play against a particular opposing team orplayer, to a particular situation).

In some exemplary embodiments, display 402 of group monitoring device400 can display one or more alerts based on location information of oneor more individuals 10 and/or sports objects 40. An alert may betriggered based on a determination that location(s) of one or moreindividuals 10 and/or sports object 40 meet an alert condition. Forexample, an alert may be triggered in response to a location of anindividual being greater than a threshold distance from a targetposition, where the target position may be defined relative to, forexample, a playing field or feature thereof, another individual 10, or asports object 40. Also for example, an alert may be triggered based on adetermination that there are no individuals 10 within a thresholddistance of a goal (e.g., the goal area is unguarded). Also for example,an alert may be triggered based on a determination an individual 10 hascrossed a boundary line (e.g., stepped out-of-bounds). Also for example,an alert may be triggered based on a determination that sports object 40is within a goal area (e.g., a goal has been scored). Also for example,an alert may be triggered based on the character of movement of anindividual 10's location (e.g., rapid alternating between faster andslower movement of an individual 10 may trigger an alert indicating thatindividual 10 is limping, and may be injured; minimal movement combinedwith orientation data showing individual 10 is prone or supine maytrigger an alert indicating that individual 10 has fallen, and may beinjured). Display 402 may display representations of such alerts asdescribed herein. In some embodiments, a representation of an individual10 to whom an active alert applies may be displayed in a different colorwhen the alert applies than when the alert doesn't apply. In someembodiments, such an alert may itself include specific coaching advicebased on the alert. For example, an alert indicating that an individual10 is greater than a threshold distance from a target position may beaccompanied by a recommendation for the individual 10 to move closer tothe target position. Also for example, an alert indicating that thereare no individuals 10 within a threshold distance of a particular area(i.e., there is a “gap” in field coverage) may be accompanied by arecommendation for one or more individuals 10 to move closer to theparticular area (e.g., to eliminate or reduce the size of the gap).

Also for example, an alert may be triggered based on locations ofmultiple individuals 10 and/or sports objects 40. For example, an alertmay be triggered where a first individual 10 is within a thresholddistance from a sports object 40 (e.g., the first individual may behandling the ball), and wherein a second individual 10 is greater than athreshold distance from any opposing individual 10. The alert mayprovide notification (e.g., to trainer 20, first individual 10) that thesecond individual 10 is unguarded, which may be useful (e.g., to trainer20, first individual 10) to prompt consideration of whether firstindividual 10 should pass the ball to second individual 10. In someembodiments, such an alert may itself include a recommendation for astrategic play, or for a modification to a current strategy (e.g., acalculated “best play,” or a new target location for one or moreindividuals 10, given the known metrics, including locationinformation). For example, the alert may provide a recommendation thatthe ball be passed from the first individual 10 to the second individual10. Such alerts can be defined and tailored to any desired gamesituation, in order to facilitate analysis and speed decision-makingduring an athletic activity.

In some embodiments, display 402 of group monitoring device 400 depictsthe path of one or more individuals 10 or sports objects 40. The pathmay be a curve tracing past locations of the one or more individuals 10or sports objects 40 on a map of the playing field. The displayed pathmay be static (i.e., displaying the curve for a period of time with adefined beginning and end) or dynamic (e.g., displaying the curve for aperiod of time where either or both of the beginning and end isdependent on, for example, the current time). In depicting the path ofone or more individuals 10 or sports objects 40, display 402 may showthe position of the one or more individuals 10 or sports objects 40 as afunction of time.

In some exemplary embodiments, as depicted in, for example, FIGS. 73-77,display 402 includes a heat map 415, which may provide a visualindication of time spent by one or more individual 10 in areas of theplaying field. Such visual indication may include colored areas of arepresentation of the playing field that correspond to areas whereindividual 10 has spent more time, colored differently than coloredareas of the representation of the playing field that correspond toareas where individual 10 has spent less time. In some embodiments (see,e.g., FIG. 73), heat map 415 may represent a single individual 10. Insome embodiments (see, e.g., FIGS. 74-77), heat map 415 may representmultiple individuals 10, where visual indications of time spent bydifferent individuals 10 are represented by different colors, or whereindividuals 10 on one team are represented by the same color whileindividuals 10 from an opposing team are represented by a differentcolor. In some embodiments, heat map 415 may represent one or moresports objects 40 similarly as described with respect to individuals 10.In some embodiments, where individual 10 is wearing a garment having anilluminable area, the illuminable area may illuminate in a colorcorresponding to the color used to represent individual 10 on display402 (e.g., on heat map 415).

Alternatively or additionally, heat map 415 may provide a visualindication of, for example, areas of the playing field where player 10performed a certain type of activity (e.g., running, jumping), areas ofthe playing field where player 10 had a metric value above or below athreshold value, or areas of the playing field where player 10 hadpossession of or contact with a sports object (e.g., a ball). In someembodiments, heat map 415 may provide a visual indication of, forexample, optimum positioning of one or more players 10 the playingfield.

In some embodiments, display 402 of group monitoring device 400 depictsthe location of an individual 10 or sports object 40 with respect tosome other feature (which may be, for example, another individual 10 orsports object 40, or a point on the playing field). Such depiction cantake the form of a distance measurement between (i.e., magnitude ofseparation of) the individual 10 or sports object 40 and the otherfeature, which may be represented, for example, as a history of theseparation (e.g., a graph showing time v. separation) or as an integralmap (e.g., a histogram) of the separation over a set period.

The various depictions of locations of individuals 10 and/or sportsobjects 40 can help a viewer (e.g., trainer 20, individual 10) toanalyze plays made during a session of athletic activity. For example,the depictions may be useful in facilitating tactical training orstrategy development, by facilitating design and monitoring ofpre-planned plays, or the analysis of successful or failed plays to seekareas for improvement. Also for example, the depictions may be useful todetermine the extent of separation between two individuals 10 with thesame role on a team (e.g., two fullbacks), to optimize their coverage ofthe playing field (e.g., to ensure that the two fullbacks maintained atleast a threshold separation during a game in order to ensure that areasof the field were not left undefended). Also for example, the depictionsmay be useful to analyze the effect of positioning of individuals 10 ongame events, including the outcome of the game (e.g., the distance andfrequency with which a fullback strayed from the corner of the penaltybox, or the distances between the two fullbacks and the goalkeeper canbe analyzed at key points, like when a goal against has been scored, tohelp identify and improve sub-optimal positioning and to help preventfuture goals against from being scored). Also for example, thedepictions may be useful to determine possession or change thereof(e.g., a successful pass) of a sports object 40 (e.g., ball) by anindividual 10 (e.g., by identifying separation between the individual 10and sports object 40 below a threshold distance for a threshold periodof time).

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include data flowssuch as that shown in FIG. 12, which depicts a data flow including areal-time monitoring flow 950, a post-session data integrity flow 960,and a post-session analysis flow 970. At box 902 of FIG. 12, dataprocessing module 304 of base station 300 assigns encryption keys toeach individual monitor 200 (also referred to as a “player pod”), andeach individual monitor 200 is connected to sensors 202. At box 904,sensors 202 determine raw data indicative of characteristics of amonitored individual 10 (data indicative of, e.g., physiologicalcharacteristics, performance characteristics, position characteristics,and/or orientation characteristics). At box 906, sensors 202 send theraw data to individual monitor 200 via a wired or wireless connection.At box 908, individual monitor 200 transmits the data to data receptionmodule 302 of base station 300 via a wireless connection, in real time.At box 942, cameras (e.g., camera monitoring system 700, video feedcamera 804) determine image data. At box 944, the cameras send the imagedata to data reception module 302 of base station 300.

At box 910, data reception module 302 of base station 300 writes thedata to a file. At box 912, data reception module 302 of base station300 sends the file to data processing module 304 of base station 300. Atbox 914, data processing module 304 of base station 300 validates anddecrypts the data. At box 916, data processing module 304 of basestation 300 stores the decrypted data in base station database 316. Atbox 918, logic module 312 of base station 300 accesses the decrypteddata and, using algorithms, determines metrics and alerts. At box 920,logic module 312 of base station 300 sends the metrics to web servermodule 314 of base station 300. At box 922, web server module 314 ofbase station 300 sends the metrics to live monitoring devices 400.

At box 924, logic module 312 of base station 300 stores the metrics andalerts in base station database 316. At box 926 individual monitors 200are connected to base station 300 via a wired connection and upload datato data reception module 302 of base station 300. At box 928, datareception module 302 of base station 300 writes the data to a file. Atbox 930, data reception module 302 of base station 300 sends the file todata processing module 304 of base station 300. At box 932, dataprocessing module 304 of base station 300 validates and decrypts thedata. At box 934, data processing module 304 of base station 300performs data filtering (e.g., data de-duplication) if necessary, andstores the decrypted data in base station database 316. At box 936,central sync module 310 of base station 300 accesses and sends decrypteddata, metrics, and alerts (“session data”) to web server system 500. Atbox 930, web server system 500 stores the session data in web serverdatabase 502 of web server system 500. At box 940, web server system 500sends the session data to analysis devices 600.

In an exemplary embodiment, display 402 of group monitoring device 400shows a system view dashboard (see, for example, the exemplary display402 of FIGS. 61-64 and 67). In some embodiments the system viewdashboard may simultaneously display identification information andstatuses of one or more system components (e.g., sensors 202, individualmonitors 200, object monitors 250, base stations 300, group monitoringdevices 400, web server systems 500, analysis devices 600, cameramonitoring systems 700). In some embodiments the system view dashboardmay simultaneously display identification information and statuses ofone or more system components and of one or more objects 40 and/orindividuals 10 participating in an athletic activity and associated witha monitor 200, 250. Further, the system view dashboard maysimultaneously display statuses of system components, individuals 10,and/or sports objects 40 along with metrics of individuals 10 and/orsports objects 40.

Operating conditions displayed by display 402 may include indications ofstatuses of system components and/or alerts (e.g., performance alerts ofindividuals 10 and system alerts of system components). Display 402 maydisplay related identification information (e.g. name 406 and/or jerseynumber 408 of individuals 10, and unique identifier 409 of monitors 200,250). The operating conditions shown in the system view dashboard can beconfigured as desired (e.g., to be the statuses most applicable or mostbeneficial to trainer 20). Presentation of the operating conditions canbe configured as desired. For example, operating conditions can bedisplayed as alerts (e.g., indications of whether or not an alert hasbeen triggered), graphic representations of a status (e.g., bar graphs,pie charts), or numeric representations of a status (e.g., absolutevalues, percentage values).

Operating conditions displayed by display 402 may include statusesand/or alerts for any system component. In some embodiments, a systemview dashboard may display indications of, for example, remainingbattery power of a battery of base station 300 and/or monitors 200, 250;the number of monitors 200, 250 docked with and/or charging at basestation 300; GPS signal status at monitors 200, 250 and/or base station300; proper operation of monitors 200, 250 and/or base station 300;proper placement of monitors 200, 250 and/or base station 300; properplacement of sensors 202 (e.g., proper fit of sensor garment 204).

In the exemplary display 402 of FIG. 61, a system view dashboardprovides an indication of GPS signal status at individual monitors 200.The GPS signal status is displayed as a system alert that indicateswhether the GPS signal strength at each individual monitor 200 is aboveor below a predetermined system alert threshold. Also in FIG. 61, anindication of heart rate status of individuals 10 is provided. The heartrate status is displayed as a performance alert that indicates whetherthe heart rate of each individual 10 is above or below a predeterminedthreshold. Also in FIG. 61, an indication of inertia status ofindividuals 10 is provided. The inertia status is displayed as aperformance alert that indicates whether the inertia of each individual10 is above or below a predetermined threshold. Also in FIG. 61, anindication of connectivity status (e.g., strength of communicationsignal) of individual monitors 200 is provided. The connectivity statusis displayed as a graphic that indicates provides a visualrepresentation of the communication signal strength at each individualmonitor 200. Also in FIG. 61, an indication of remaining battery powerof a battery (e.g., battery 212) of individual monitors 200 is provided.The remaining battery power is displayed numerically as a percentage ofbattery power capacity. Also in FIG. 61, an indication of remainingamount of data received by base station 300 from each individual monitor200 is provided. The amount of data received is displayed numerically asa percentage of total data sent (or expected to have been sent) by eachindividual monitor 200.

In some embodiments, statuses can be simultaneously displayed as anumerical value and a system alert. For example, remaining battery powercan be displayed as a numerical value, as described above, and can besimultaneously displayed as a system alert that indicates whether theremaining battery power of individual monitors 200 is above or below apredetermined threshold. For example, the numerical value for batterypower of an individual monitor 200 below the predetermined threshold maybe displayed in a different color than numerical values for batterypower of individual monitors 200 having battery power above thepredetermined threshold. Display 402 of FIG. 61 depicts statuses ofindividual monitors 200, however, the depiction of the statusesdescribed with reference to FIG. 61 can be applied to any systemcomponent (e.g., sensors 202, individual monitors 200, object monitors250, base stations 300, group monitoring devices 400, web server systems500, analysis devices 600).

In the exemplary display 402 of FIG. 62, a system view dashboardprovides an indication of whether a battery (e.g., battery 212) of eachindividual monitor 200 is charging. Also in FIG. 62, an indication ofavailable space of a memory (e.g., memory 228) of individual monitors200 is provided. The available space is displayed numerically as apercentage of memory capacity. Also in FIG. 62, an indication of thecurrent firmware version of individual monitors 200 is provided. Also inFIG. 62, an indication of the target firmware version for individualmonitors 200 is provided. Display 402 of FIG. 62 depicts statuses ofindividual monitors 200, however, the depiction of the statusesdescribed with reference to FIG. 62 can be applied to any systemcomponent (e.g., sensors 202, individual monitors 200, object monitors250, base stations 300, group monitoring devices 400, web server systems500, analysis devices 600, camera monitoring systems 700).

In the exemplary display 402 of FIG. 63, a system view dashboardprovides an indication of a serial number of each individual monitor200. Display 402 of FIG. 63 depicts statuses of individual monitors 200,however, the depiction of the statuses described with reference to FIG.63 can be applied to any system component (e.g., sensors 202, individualmonitors 200, object monitors 250, base stations 300, group monitoringdevices 400, web server systems 500, analysis devices 600, cameramonitoring systems 700).

In the exemplary display 402 of FIG. 64, a system view dashboardprovides an indication of a synchronization status of each individualmonitor 200. Display 402 of FIG. 64 depicts statuses of individualmonitors 200, however, the depiction of the statuses described withreference to FIG. 64 can be applied to any system component (e.g.,sensors 202, individual monitors 200, object monitors 250, base stations300, group monitoring devices 400, web server systems 500, analysisdevices 600, camera monitoring systems 700).

In the exemplary display 402 of FIG. 67, a system view dashboardprovides an indication of a GPS signal status of base station 300, anindication of remaining battery power of a battery of base station 300,and an indication of the charging status of the battery of base station300. In the exemplary display 402 of FIG. 65, such statuses of basestation 300 are shown before commencement of a session of athleticactivity, simultaneously with a selectable option to begin the session.Alternatively, these and other statuses of base station 300 and othersystem components may be displayed at any other time.

In some embodiments, a system view dashboard may provide an indicationof how many individual monitors 200 (and/or object monitors 250) aredocked at base station 300.

In some embodiments, a system view dashboard may provide an indicationof whether a system component (e.g., individual monitor 200) isoperating properly. For example, a system component (e.g., individualmonitor 200, base station 300) may receive data from another systemcomponent that is outside accepted ranges for normal operation (e.g.,individual monitor 200 may transmit metric data to base station 300 thatindicates physical activity of a monitored individual 10 that is beyondthe physical capabilities of a human). In some embodiments, a systemview dashboard may provide an alert to indicate that a system componentis not operating properly.

In some embodiments, where individual monitor 200 includes a sensorgarment (e.g., sensor garment 204), a system view dashboard may providean indication of whether sensor garment 204 properly fits an individual10 wearing sensor garment 204. For example, where sensor garmentincludes sensors (e.g., heart rate monitor electrodes, respirationsensor) intended to be positioned at areas of the wearer's bodywell-suited to gather data (e.g., about a chest area), poor datacollection by those sensors (e.g., a weak heart or respiration signal)may indicate that sensor garment 204 does not fit individual 10 wearingsensor garment 204 (e.g., the sensors may not be positioned at theoptimum areas, because sensor garment 204 was sized for a smaller orlarger person than individual 10). In some embodiments, a system viewdashboard may provide an alert to indicate that sensor garment 204 doesnot properly fit individual 10 wearing sensor garment 204.

In some embodiments, a system view dashboard provides an indication ofwhether a system component (e.g., individual monitor 200) is properlyplaced (e.g., in and/or maintaining a proper orientation). For example,a system component (e.g., individual monitor 200, base station 300) mayreceive data sensed by sensors 202 of individual monitor 200 that mayhave characteristics that do not correspond to characteristics expectedwere the individual monitor 200 in a proper orientation (e.g.,acceleration due to gravity may be sensed by individual monitor 200 in arelative “up” direction, which may indicate that the individual monitor200 is oriented upside-down; or acceleration signals may changeorientation erratically, which may indicate that the individual monitor200 is not being maintained in a constant orientation with respectindividual 10, which may indicate undesirable movement of the individualmonitor 200 within a restraining component, such as a pocket). In someembodiments, a system view dashboard may provide an alert to indicatethat an individual monitor 200 is not properly placed.

In some embodiments, a status and/or system alert is displayed (e.g.,via group monitoring device 400) in response to a system alert beingtriggered (e.g., when the status has passed a system alert threshold,such as, for example, remaining battery power below a thresholdpercentage of capacity, or GPS signal strength below a threshold level).In some exemplary embodiments, new system alerts, and/or statusesrelated thereto, can be indicated by, for example, a flashing icon or atemporary pop-up box.

In some exemplary embodiments, system components having an active alert(e.g., performance alert or system alert) associated therewith (e.g.,associated with the component itself or with its associated individual10 or sports object 40) can provide an alert indication by for example,emitting an audible noise (e.g., via a speaker), vibrating, or providinga visual indication (e.g., via an illuminated LED or LCD display). Insome exemplary embodiments, a system component may send a signal to adevice connected thereto (such as, for example, a garment, watch, orband) to cause the connected device to provide such an alert indication.The device may include, and provide the alert indication via, forexample, a display, illuminable area, speaker, or vibration module(e.g., integrated into the sleeve of a garment, or face of a watch).

For example, group monitoring system 100 may include a garment (e.g.,sensor garment 204, which may be, for example, a shirt) including anilluminable area. The illuminable area may illuminate in response to theactive alert (e.g., in the form of a color or graphic corresponding toor simply indicating the presence of the active alert). For example, analert may be triggered, and an individual 10's shirt may illuminate, inresponse to a determination that the individual 10 achieved the mostrecent goal or greatest number of goals during an athletic activity,compared to other individuals 10 participating in the activity, or inresponse to a determination that the individual 10 is the most recentindividual 10 to have had contact with a ball (e.g., sports object 40).Alternatively or additionally, an illuminable area in a garment worn byindividual 10 may provide a visual indication (e.g., may illuminate) of,for example, performance by individual 10 of a certain type of activity(e.g., running, jumping), a metric value of individual 10 being above orbelow a threshold value, possession of or contact with a sports object(e.g., a ball) by individual 10, or optimum or acceptable placement ofindividual 10 the playing field.

Group monitoring system 100 can include any suitable number ofcomponents such as individual monitors 200, object monitors 250, basestations 300, group monitoring devices 400, or analysis devices 600. Inan exemplary embodiment, group monitoring system includes 30 individualmonitors 200, 1 object monitor 250, 1 base station 300, and 2 groupmonitoring devices 400.

In some embodiments, multiple teams (including competing teams) can usethe same base station 300, each team having one or more individuals 10monitored by an individual monitor 200. In some embodiments wheremultiple teams use the same base station, base station 300 may beconfigured to restrict access to data relating to a first team to onlythose accessing devices (e.g., group monitoring devices 400, analysisdevices 600) that are associated with the first team (thereby blockingaccess to a second team, which may be in competition with the firstteam). In some embodiments, base station 300 may be configured toprovide access to data from more than one team to other parties (i.e.,non-team parties). For example, base station 300 may be configured toprovide access to data relating to one or more teams to televisionbroadcasters or web services (e.g., to enable them to compare orotherwise analyze statistics or to present statistics to viewers orfans), or to referees or other sporting event staff (e.g., to facilitateconducting a sporting event, including making game-related rulings).

After completion of a session of athletic activity, individuals 10 maydock their individual monitors 200 in one of docking ports 318 of basestation 300. When docked with docking port 318, batteries 212 ofindividual monitors 200 can be charged, and data can be transferred fromindividual monitors 200 to base station 300. As noted above, individualmonitors 200 store sensed data and also transfer sensed data wirelesslyto base station 300 during an athletic activity. In order to mostefficiently use bandwidth, data may be transferred wirelessly during theathletic activity at a lower resolution than it is sensed and stored inindividual monitors 200. Due to communication errors, some data may notbe transmitted successfully from individual monitors 200 to base station300 (e.g., if an individual moves out of range of base station 300).Thus, the data stored in individual monitors 200 at the conclusion of asession of athletic activity may be more complete or accurate than thedata stored in base station database 316.

In some exemplary embodiments, data can be transferred from individualmonitor 200 to base station 300 at full resolution (i.e., raw data) andstored in base station database 316 (and/or web server database 502,once transferred thereto) at full resolution as well. Storing such rawdata for each individual 10 for each session may be useful forsubsequent data analysis, for example to perform recalculations ofmetrics or calculations of new and different metrics using new anddifferent algorithms.

In some exemplary embodiments, data and metrics can be stored in ageneral database (e.g., a database shared by several of the systemsdescribed herein, or a general sports database for individuals).

While docked in docking ports 318 of base station 300, individualmonitors 200 can directly transmit their stored data to data processingmodule 304 (via data reception module 302). Data processing module 304can then filter the data received from individual monitors (e.g., dataprocessing module 304 can perform a de-duplication process on the datato avoid storing duplicate data in base station database 316) and storethe data in base station database 316.

In some exemplary embodiments, base station 300 includes a central syncmodule 310. Central sync module 310 of base station 300 can communicatethrough an Internet connection with a web server system 500, web serversystem 500 being external to base station 300. If base station 300 isconnected to the Internet via an Ethernet (or other wired) connection,such communication can take place over the Ethernet (or other wired)connection. If base station 300 is not connected to the Internet via anEthernet (or other wired) connection, communication can take placewirelessly, for example over a cellular network (e.g., GSM broad band2.5G or 3G). Central sync module 310 includes data upload and downloadcapabilities for uploading session data about a monitored athleticactivity, or diagnostic information about base station 300 and othercomponents, and to download user data such as, for example, updatedfirmware to be installed in individual monitors 200 via docking port240, or updated software for use in base station 300. Central syncmodule 310 can upload data stored in base station database 316 to webserver system 500. Such data may include data, metrics, and alertsgenerated during the athletic activity. When receiving such data, webserver system may store it in a web server database 502.

Web server system 500 can render display code (such as, for example,html5 compliant code) based on a request from a client device such as,for example, analysis device 600. Web server system 500 can also serve asecurity function, by ensuring that a requesting client device isproperly authenticated and that all data is passed using https. Webserver system 500 may provide analysis device 600 with requested metricsand generated alerts stored in web server database 502, via, forexample, an API layer. Web server system 500 may include one or moreservers, which may receive, store, and/or provide data to one or moreremote devices (e.g., analysis device 600).

One or more servers of web server system 500 may receive, store, and/orprovide all or a subset of metrics from base station 300. Some serversmay be configured to receive, store, and provide metrics different fromthose metrics received, stored, and provided by other servers. In someembodiments, servers of web server system 500 may be configured to allowdifferent levels of access for different types of accessing devicesand/or for different permissions associated with an accessing device.Servers of web server system 500 may provide data (including metrics andoperating conditions of system components as described herein) to avariety of accessing devices for a variety of uses.

For example, web server system 500 may provide data to general personalcomputing devices (e.g., to provide an Internet-connected database forpublic use). Also for example, web server system 500 may provide data toon-site display systems (e.g., to communicate data to spectators at themonitored event using displays at the event). Also for example, webserver system 500 may provide data to media coverage devices (e.g., tocommunicate data to television or Internet viewers of media coverage ofthe monitored event). Also for example, web server system 500 mayprovide data to smartphones or other personal portable devices (e.g., tocommunicate data to users of such devices through applicationinterfaces, or “apps”).

Also for example, web server system 500 may provide data to secondaryservers. For example, such secondary servers may communicate data toviewers of a website in association with the website—or advertisementspresented thereon—provided by secondary server. Also for example, suchsecondary servers may communicate data to players of a videogame inassociation with the videogame provided by the secondary server.

Also for example, web server system 500 may provide data to a socialnetworking service (including a social networking website). Monitoredindividual 10 may have an account with such social networking service.Such data may be provided, for example, via secondary servers asdescribed herein. Such social networking service may access such datarelating to monitored individual 10 to associate it with the account ofthe monitored individual 10. In some embodiments, representations ofsuch data (including metrics related to performance of individual 10)may be displayed in association with social networking accountinformation of individual 10 (e.g., on a profile page for individual 10,in comparison with similar data associated with the accounts of otherson the social networking site). Such a social networking service mayaccept individual data or team data, and may provide an interface forindividuals or teams to communicate with each other and share theirdata. For example, individuals or teams can share coachingrecommendations, experiences, or training plans based on their data.Also for example, individuals or teams can schedule meeting or gameswith other individuals or teams, and may rely on shared data to helpidentify appropriate individuals or teams with which to compete (e.g.,teams or individuals with comparable abilities). In some embodiments,such data can be relied upon to determine a handicap of one team orindividual compared to another team or individual, thereby facilitatingcompetition between teams or individuals with non-comparable abilities.

Also for example, such secondary servers may provide data to a retailservice. For example, products or services (including, e.g., trainingplans, apparel, awards, equipment, personal training) may be availableor not available to a monitored individual 10 based on data relating tothe monitored individual 10. Also for example, products or services maybe promoted or not promoted to a monitored individual 10 based on datarelating to the monitored individual 10. In other words, availabilityand promotion of products and services may be based on personalattributes or performance of individual 10. For example, availabilityand promotion of products and services may be based on the individual10's membership in or association with a particular team, the individual10's overall past monitored performance, the individual 10's performancein the individual 10's most recent athletic activity, alerts triggeredby the individual 10, or the type of sport(s) played by the individual10. Such a retail service may be provided in any suitable medium, forexample, as a standalone website, in association with a website (e.g., asocial networking website as described above), within an app, or withinany of the dashboards described herein.

Also for example, such secondary servers may communicate data to anadvertising service. For example, products or services may be advertisedto a monitored individual 10 based on data relating to the monitoredindividual 10. In other words, advertisement of products and servicesmay be based on personal attributes or performance of individual 10. Forexample, advertisement of products and services may be based on theindividual 10's membership in or association with a particular team, theindividual 10's overall past monitored performance, the individual 10'sperformance in the individual 10's most recent athletic activity, alertstriggered by the individual 10, or the type of sport(s) played by theindividual 10. Such an advertising service may be provided in anysuitable medium, for example, as a standalone website, in associationwith a website (e.g., a social networking website as described above),within an app, or within any of the dashboards described herein.

Also for example, web server system 500 may provide data to a voting orwagering website or service (e.g., via secondary servers as describedherein). In some embodiments, such voting or wagering website or servicemay access such data relating to monitored individuals 10, and mayprovide an interface for users of the website or service to vote forindividuals 10 to receive accolades or other recognition (e.g., a mostvaluable player award), based on the user's review of provided data. Insome embodiments, such voting or wagering website or service may providean interface for users of the website or service to make predictions orplace wagers on game events (e.g., which team will win, how many pointsthe winning team will win by) and/or future metrics of individuals 10(e.g., that Player A will achieve a heart rate of 170 beats per minuteby halftime), based on the user's review of provided data.

Also for example, web server system 500 may provide data to a gamingdevice. Such a gaming device may be, for example, a videogame console ora device otherwise having gaming capabilities (e.g., a (smart)phone withgame software/apps). In some embodiments, the data provided by webserver system 500 may be used to unlock gameplay features. For example,where a player of the videogame is a monitored individual 10, metricsbased on past real-world performance of the player of the videogame canbe compared by the game console to targets for those metrics, and if thetargets are met, a previously locked feature of the game (e.g., avirtual player to virtually play the game as, or a virtual stadium tovirtually play the game at) may be unlocked and made available to theplayer of the videogame. In some embodiments, the data provided by webserver system 500 may be used to affect the performance of a virtualplayer corresponding to a monitored individual 10, to correspond thevirtual performance of the virtual player with the actual performance ofthe monitored individual 10. Such monitored individual 10 may be theplayer of the videogame, and/or may be one or more other individuals(e.g., individuals corresponding to videogame console-controlled virtualrepresentations of such individuals, which may be the virtual playercontrolled by the player of the videogame, or virtual teammates oropponents thereof). In this way, the player of the videogame can controla virtual player having virtual capabilities corresponding to thereal-world capabilities of the player of the videogame or another player(e.g., a famous player represented in the videogame), and virtualteammates or opponents thereof can similarly have virtual capabilitiescorresponding to those of real-world counterparts. In some embodiments,the data provided by web server system 500 may be used to produce avirtual reproduction of actual play of monitored individuals 10 during asession of athletic activity.

Also for example, web server 500 may provide data to a training device(e.g., a display device configured to facilitate training of a trainee).Such training device may be, for example, a personal computer running asoftware program to schedule and track training progress of the trainee,or a portable device carried by the trainee while training, such as, forexample, a sports watch. The training device may be in communicationwith sensors (such as, for example, sensors described herein) to monitorthe trainee during training. The training device may access data via webserver 500 (or in some embodiments, from base station 300 directly) tocompare metrics of the trainee's performance with metrics downloadedfrom web server 500 (or base station 300). A representation of suchcomparison can be provided to the trainee in real-time during training,or after completion of a training session. Such comparison can be basedon downloaded metrics of the trainee himself (in the case where traineewas a monitored individual 10) or of a different monitored individual10.

Access to data from web server 500 may be licensed and provided to thirdparties (e.g., via secondary servers). For example, media outlets(television stations, newspapers, Internet blogs) and medicalresearchers may be provided licensed access to data from web server 500,and such access may be limited based on the scope of licensed access.For example, only access to a particular individual 10 or group ofindividual 10, or to particular type(s) of data (e.g., heart rate data,speed data) may be granted).

Data provided by web server system 500 may be presented in any manner asdescribed herein, subject to limitations of the device used for suchpresentation (e.g., a user accessing such data via a smartphone orcomputer may interact with the device to change the data represented, orthe mode of presentation, while a viewer of a media broadcast may nothave the ability to interact with the data, and may simply view the datapresented). Presentation of data about monitored individuals 10 engagedin an athletic activity to non-participants (e.g., spectators, fans) mayhelp promote engagement in the athletic activity by thenon-participants. In some embodiments, non-participants can be promptedto vote or wager on results of an athletic activity (e.g., via aninterface of a remote device in communication with web server system500), on the basis of information provided via web server system 500.

As described herein, base station 300 can receive data from monitors(e.g., monitors 200, 250), store such data, and make such data availableto remote devices (e.g., group monitoring device 400, analysis device600). In some embodiments, multiple base stations 300 may be provided(e.g., a first base station 300 and a second base station 300), and onebase station 300 (e.g., a first base station 300) may be configured toreceive, store, and provide metrics (e.g., a first set of metricsindicative of the performance of individuals 10) different from thosemetrics (e.g., a second set of metrics indicative of the performance ofindividuals 10) received, stored, and provided by another base stations300 (e.g., a second base station 300).

In some embodiments, base station(s) 300 may be configured to allowdifferent levels of access for different types of accessing devicesand/or for different permissions associated with an accessing device(e.g., a first base station 300 may be configured to send a first set ofmetrics to a first remote device, while a second base station 300 may beconfigured to send a second, different, set of metrics to a secondremote device). Base station(s) 300 may provide stored data (includingmetrics and operating conditions of system components as describedherein) to a variety of accessing devices for a variety of uses,including those described herein with respect to web server system 500.

In embodiments where group monitoring system 100 includes multiple basestations 300, remote devices may be configurable to select which basestation(s) to send and/or receive data from. For example, a settingspage may be displayed (e.g., via display 402 of group monitoring device400) which may allow selection of different base stations (see, e.g.,FIG. 68).

A remote device (analysis device 600) is depicted in FIG. 10 andincludes a display 602 and an input 604. In an exemplary embodiment,analysis device 600 is a tablet computing-style device (such as a tabletpersonal computer or an iPad®, marketed by Apple Inc.®). Analysis device600 may be, however, any other suitable device, such as, for example, alaptop computer, a smartphone, or a personal computer. Analysis device600 can access data in web server database 502 and display theinformation to a user of analysis device 600 (e.g., trainer 20). In someembodiments, the information may be displayed using dedicated orgeneral-purpose software (e.g., a dedicated software interface, a webbrowser). Although analysis device 600 and group monitoring device 400are described separately herein, in some exemplary embodiments, groupmonitoring device 400 and analysis device 600 are the same device.

In some exemplary embodiments, analysis device 600 can be located at aremote location with respect to base station 300 or the relevantathletic activity, and can be used to access and display data andmetrics in real time. In such an embodiment, base station 300 cantransfer the data and metrics to web server 500 in real time, so thatthe data and metrics can be accessed for display by analysis device 600,as described above. Such an embodiment may be useful for a user tomonitor an ongoing session of athletic activity from a remote location(e.g., a trainer 20 that could not be present at a match, or a teamowner that desires to monitor a training session without physicallyattending the session).

After completion of a session of athletic activity, a trainer 20 may useanalysis device 600 to review and analyze information about individuals10, including information about past performances of individuals 10during past sessions of athletic activity. Depending on the number ofpast sessions of athletic activity for which data is available, andother available data in web server database 502, post-session analysisof an individual 10 using analysis device 600 may provide trainer 20with information spanning a longer period than the information providedduring an athletic activity by group monitoring device 400, which mayfacilitate long-term evaluation of individual(s) 10. Trainer 20 mayaccess and view the data using analysis device 600, however, in much thesame way as has been described above with respect to group monitoringdevice 400. For example, analysis device 600 may be configured todisplay a team view dashboard, and an individual view dashboard, asdescribed above with reference to group monitoring device 400. Somedifferences applicable to some exemplary embodiments of team viewdashboard and individual view dashboard of analysis device 600 includethat the displayed information may not be updated in real time whenusing analysis device 600, that the information displayed may spanmultiple sessions of athletic activity, and that alerts can be createdthat apply to data across multiple sessions.

Moreover, the team view dashboard and individual view dashboard ofanalysis device 600 may be customizable. Display components (e.g.,photograph 410 of individual 10, list of all individuals 10, locationcomponent 412 showing a map of positions of individuals 10 on playingfield, detailed charts and/or graphs 418) can be added or removed bytrainer 20 so as to create a customized view dashboard, which can besaved and referred to in the future. In some embodiments, customizedview dashboards can be sent to or otherwise used by group monitoringdevices 400, thereby allowing trainer 20 to view real-time data in acustom format.

In some exemplary embodiments, analysis device 600 includes an analysischart view that displays a detailed view of a metric, in for example, achart format or a graph format. Trainer 20 may input desired parametersfor the analysis chart view via input 604. For example, trainer 20 mayinput parameters indicating that the analysis chart view should begenerated to show data for all drills performed by Player A duringAugust 2010. Alternatively, analysis device 600 may show trainer 20 alist of all data entries corresponding to the parameters input bytrainer 20, allowing trainer 20 to select the entries desired to beincluded in an analysis chart view. Trainer 20 may also be given theoption to select a type of analysis chart view. For example, trainer 20may be able to choose from a stacked view, where several charts orgraphs, each pertaining to a different metric, are stacked one above theother; or an overlay view, where multiple metrics are displayed on asingle chart or graph. In some exemplary embodiments, the overlay viewallows trainer 20 to view data from one time period (e.g., current dataor most recent data) overlaid with data from another time period (e.g.,older data) to allow easy comparison of performance at different times.

In some exemplary embodiments, to facilitate analysis of one or moresessions of athletic activity, display 402 of group monitoring device400 or display 602 of analysis device 600 may display an analysismodule, which may include utilities useable to analyze the session ofathletic activity, as depicted in, for example, FIG. 55. Display 602 ofanalysis device 600 may display charts or graphs 618 that displaymetrics comparatively. For example, graph 618 may display heart rate foran individual 10 plotted over a session of athletic activity, or anyother time period. Also displayed plotted on the same graph 610 may beother metrics, for example, training impact and mechanical power ofindividual 10. By plotting multiple metrics on the same graph 618,analysis device 600 may facilitate comparison of these metrics, and mayevidence a correlation that can be useful to trainer 20 in monitoringthe performance of individual 10.

In some exemplary embodiments, as depicted in, for example, FIG. 56,display 602 of analysis device 600 may display outlier analyses 620 forcomparing metric information of one or more individuals with one or moreother individuals, and determining when one or more individuals haveachieved a particular metric value that falls outside a baseline value.Outlier analyses 620 can be presented in a variety of ways, and can beuseful in presenting data for multiple individuals 10 in a context thatfacilitates comparison of individuals 10. In some exemplary embodiments,a bar graph 622 showing percentage or value above or below an average(or other baseline) for a metric may be displayed. In some exemplaryembodiments, a star graph 624 showing percentage or value of a varietyof metrics for one or more individuals 10 may be displayed.

In some exemplary embodiments, analysis device 600 can recalculate pastdata based on new algorithms, thereby refining metric calculations ordefining new metrics. In some exemplary embodiments, analysis device 600can apply new alerts to past data. Such features can be useful totrainer 20 by facilitating historical investigation and analysis of dataof individuals 10.

In some exemplary embodiments, analysis device 600 can be used bytrainer 20 to predict future performance of individuals 10. Appropriatealgorithms can be applied to past data that generate predictions of dataof a future session for a particular player or group. For example, if aperformance trend is recognized (e.g., increasing efficiency or relativepower), it can be predicted that that trend may continue in a futuresession of athletic activity. Trainer 20 can use this information toinform decisions regarding future sessions of athletic activity.

In some exemplary embodiments, as depicted in, for example, FIG. 57,group monitoring device 400 may include a report module, which mayinclude a report generator 403 that allows a user to generate reportsbased on data and metrics of individuals 10. Reports can be predefined,or can be customized to generate desired information. A variety of typesof reports can be generated, for example, individual player summaries,reports designed for a head coach, reports designed for a coach of asub-group of a team (e.g., a goalie coach), daily performance updatereports, injury reports, session summary reports, and team conditionreports. Such reports can be presented (e.g., via display 402 of groupmonitoring device 400) in real time for individuals 10 and/or sportsobjects 40, or groups thereof, to compare individuals 10 and/or sportsobjects 40 with other individuals 10 and/or sports objects 40.

For example, as depicted in FIGS. 58 and 59, a daily performance updatemay include information regarding top performing individuals 10. Such adaily performance update may include listings 405 showing individuals 10that are top sprinters, are top power producers, have highestefficiency, and have top distance. In some exemplary embodiments, pastreports can be saved and accessed from a past reports menu 401. Such adaily performance update may also include a team chart 407 showingpresent information for a group of individuals 10 making up a team. Teamchart 407 may further indicate differences in the displayed informationthat may exist between the displayed information and informationdisplayed in previous reports, thereby indicating changes in theperformance of individuals 10.

In this document, terms such as “computer-usable medium” may be used togenerally refer to media such as a removable storage unit or a hard diskinstalled in hard disk drive. Computer-usable medium may also refer tomemories, such as a main memory or a secondary memory, which can bememory semiconductors (e.g., DRAMs, etc.). These computer programproducts provide software to computer systems and other components ofthe present invention.

Computer programs (also called computer control logic) may be stored onmain memory and/or secondary memory. Computer programs may also bereceived via a communications interface. Such computer programs, whenexecuted, may enable computer systems of the present invention toimplement embodiments described herein. Where embodiments areimplemented using software, the software can be stored on a computerprogram product and loaded into a computer system using, for example, aremovable storage drive, an interface, a hard drive, and/orcommunications interface.

Based on the description herein, a person skilled in the relevant artwill recognize that the computer programs, when executed, can enable oneor more processors to implement processes described above, such as, forexample, determining, recording, and transmitting information related toindividuals 10 engaged in an athletic activity, or presenting to a userof any of the herein-described displayable or audible elements (e.g.,information related to individuals 10 engaged in an athletic activity).Information and/or instructions (e.g., a computer program product) formaintaining and/or rendering any module, function, or feature describedherein (e.g., plan module, monitor module, analyze module, reportmodule) may be stored in a computer-useable medium (e.g., memory ordatabase) of any component described herein (e.g., base station 300,individual monitors 200, group monitoring device 400, web server system500, analysis device 600, camera monitoring system 700, and/or videofeed system 800).

In some exemplary embodiments, the one or more processors can be part ofa computing device incorporated in a clustered computing environment orserver farm. In some exemplary embodiments, the computing processperformed by the clustered computing environment may be carried outacross multiple processors located at the same or different locations.In some exemplary embodiments, the one or more processors can be part ofany of the components described herein (e.g., base station 300,individual monitors 200, group monitoring device 400, web server system500, analysis device 600). In some exemplary embodiments, one or more ofthe plan module, monitor module, analyze module, and report module maycomprise, for example, an application for a device such as a smartphone,and may be configured to be downloaded in whole or in part.

Software of the present invention may be stored on any computer-usablemedium. Such software, when executed in one or more data processingdevices, such as, for example, any suitable component described herein(e.g., base station 300, individual monitors 200, group monitoringdevice 400, web server system 500, analysis device 600) causes the dataprocessing device to operate as described herein. Embodiments of theinvention employ any computer-usable or -readable medium, known now orin the future. Examples of computer-usable mediums include, but are notlimited to, primary storage devices (e.g., any type of random access orread only memory), secondary storage devices (e.g., hard drives, floppydisks, CD ROMS, ZIP disks, tapes, magnetic storage devices, opticalstorage devices, MEMS, nanotechnological storage devices, memory cardsor other removable storage devices, etc.), and communication mediums(e.g., wired and wireless communications networks, local area networks,wide area networks, intranets, etc.).

In some exemplary embodiments, group monitoring system 100 includes oris in communication with a camera monitoring system 700, which mayinclude, for example, one or more video cameras trained on playing field30 in order to record image data (e.g., still images, video, datarelated thereto and/or derived therefrom) indicative of motions ofindividuals 10. This image data can be transmitted to base station 300(e.g., to data processing module 304 of base station 300), and can beused in the determination of metrics in much the same way as describedabove with reference to data transmitted from individual monitors 200and/or object monitors 250.

In some embodiments, metrics can be determined based on image dataalone, or based on image data and data derived from other sensors (e.g.,sensors 202 of individual monitors 200 and/or object monitors 250). Thisimage data can be stored in base station database 316, and can betransferred to web server system 500 (e.g., via central sync module310), where it can be accessed by a video feed system 800 and displayedby a video display 802 of video feed system 800. In some embodiments,the image data can be accessed from base station 300 and displayed by aremote device such as, for example, group monitoring device 400 and/oranalysis device 600. Such image data may be displayed in any format,such as, for example, as images, or as metrics derived therefrom.

In some exemplary embodiments, video feed system 800 includes a videofeed camera 804. Video feed camera 804 can also be trained on playingfield 30 to record image data. This image data can be transmitted to webserver system 500 to be retrieved for later viewing by video display 802of video feed system 800.

Image data recorded by camera monitoring system 700 and/or video feedsystem can be accessed from web server system 500 by analysis device 600and displayed on display 602 of analysis device 600.

In some exemplary embodiments, camera monitoring system 700 can be usedto determine positions of individuals 10 and/or sports objects 40. Imagedata generated by camera monitoring system 700 can be received by basestation 300 and analyzed to determine positions of individuals 10 and/orother objects/areas of interest (e.g., sports objects 40). Cameramonitoring system 700 can be used in this way to replace or supplementposition sensor 208, and may be particularly useful for determiningposition in an indoor area or an area that otherwise receives no (or aweak) GPS or other positioning signal.

In some exemplary embodiments, image data generated by camera monitoringsystem 700 can be overlaid or identified with data and metrics describedherein. In such an embodiment the image data may be displayedsynchronously with the data and metrics by or in conjunction with adisplay device (e.g., group monitoring device 400 or analysis device600). This can help correlate data and metrics with actual images ofindividuals 10 and/or sports objects 40.

In some embodiments, as described above, one or more metrics may bebased on a determination of position of individual 10 and/or sportsobject 40 with respect to a playing field or feature thereof. Forexample, in some embodiments location signals (e.g., signals generatedby position modules 216) are correlated with positions on playing field30 using GPS data, where the GPS coordinates of the playing field areknown by group monitoring system 100. Also for example, in someembodiments location signals are correlated with positions on playingfield using relative location data (e.g., data representing a relativelocation with respect to a reference, which may be, for example, basestation 300 or some other stationary beacon connected thereto), wherethe relative position of the playing field is known by group monitoringsystem 100. In some embodiments, the position of the playing fieldbecomes known to group monitoring system by being defined by a user.

In some embodiments, a portable system component (e.g., an individualmonitor 200, an object monitor 250, or group monitoring device 400) canbe used to define the playing field (which may be, for example, a soccerfield, a racing track, or other area). For example, in a fielddefinition mode, display 402 of group monitoring device 400 or otheradministrative device may display an instruction to locate a positionsensor at a first location on a playing field. For example, as shown inFIG. 78, display 402 may instruct a user to locate a position sensor ata mid-line location of a soccer field. Display 402 may display agraphical representation of the playing field 30, with an instructionmarker 32 showing the user the location at which to position the sensor.The user may position the group monitoring device 400 at the location onthe playing field corresponding to the displayed location, and mayoptionally provide input through input 404 of group monitoring device400 to indicate that the group monitoring device 400 is positioned atthe instructed location. Alternatively or additionally, in someembodiments, the user of group monitoring device 400 may direct anassociated other portable device (e.g., an individual monitor 200 orobject monitor 250 carried by another person) communicatively connectedto the group monitoring device to the location on the playing fieldcorresponding to the displayed location, and may optionally provideinput through input 404 of group monitoring device 400 to indicate thatthe associated other portable device is positioned at the instructedlocation. Group monitoring device 400 may then receive position dataidentifying the location of the position sensor, and may define thisposition data as corresponding to the instructed location. As noted,such position data may be determined based on GPS data or datarepresenting relative location with respect to a reference).

Display 402 of group monitoring device 400 may then display aninstruction to locate the position sensor at additional locations on theplaying field 30, which can be defined similarly as described for thefirst. For example, as shown in FIG. 78, display 402 may depict aconfirmation marker 34 showing that the first point has been defined,and may show an instruction marker 32 showing the user a second locationto be defined (e.g., a first corner of a soccer field). Display 402 ofgroup monitoring device 400 may continue to show additional instructionsto define additional locations on the playing field 30 (see, e.g., FIG.80, showing four confirmation markers 34 indicating four definedpositions, and one instruction marker 32 indicating a final position tobe defined). The positions of the various defined locations may togetherdefine the playing field.

Group monitoring system 100 may be applied as described to define anyplaying field or other area, whether regular or irregular in shape. Forexample, group monitoring system 100 can be used to define a soccerfield, tennis court, running track, football field, basketball court,baseball field, golf course, ski slope, or mountain bike track. Thenumber of positions needed to fully define a playing field 30 may varyand may depend on the geometry of the playing field to be defined. Forexample, a typical soccer field (or other symmetrical rectangular-shapedfield) can be considered fully defined with a minimum of three positionsdefined (e.g., three corners where the fourth corner can be determinedbased on the location of the defined three corners). The minimumpositions needed to fully define a playing field 30 may increase withincreasing geometric complexity of the field shape as well as the extentand geometric complexity of field features to be defined. In some cases,defining some field features may be optional, or may be determined bygroup monitoring system based on known relationships with definedpositions.

For example, defining a baseball field or golf course may involvedefining a greater number of positions than does defining a soccer fieldor tennis court. For example, when defining a baseball field, it may bedesired to define its field of play (which is often irregular and canvary from field to field), its foul lines, its base positions, itswarning track, and its boundary between infield and outfield. Whendefining a soccer field or tennis court, simply defining three cornersof the field or court may be sufficient for group monitoring system todetermine remaining field features. Group monitoring system 100 mayinstruct definition of the minimum positions needed, or of more than theminimum positions needed (including optional positions). Defining morethan the minimum number of positions needed may increase the accuracy ofthe field definition. Further, group monitoring system 100 may instructdefinition of the same position once, or more than once. Defining thesame position more than once may increase the accuracy of the definitionof that position, thereby increasing the accuracy of the fielddefinition.

Once defined or otherwise obtained, a playing field may be saved in astorage medium of any system component (e.g., group monitoring device400, base station 300, web server system 500). Attributes of the definedfield may be saved in association therewith. For example, a field savescreen is depicted on display 402 of group monitoring device 400 in FIG.81. The field save screen includes fields for a user to input a fieldname, the field dimensions, the field location, the field playingsurface, and any desired notes about the field. In some embodiments,certain field attributes may be determined by group monitoring system100 (e.g., via a system component such as, for example, group monitoringdevice 400). For example, once a field is defined, group monitoringsystem 100 may calculate its dimensions or location (e.g., using GPSdata).

As described above, group monitoring system 100 is portable, so it canbe transported between and used at different areas during differentsessions of athletic activity. The ability of group monitoring system100 to define a new playing field and monitor activity thereonfacilitates this portability. For example, the same group monitoringsystem 100 can be used to monitor training sessions at a team's trainingfacility, at the team's home playing field, and at the playing fields ofopposing teams visited by the team on the road. Each different field canbe defined as described above. This facilitates use of group monitoringsystem 100 across different playing fields, and gives trainers 20 theability to keep a consistent, repeatable set of measurements even whensessions of athletic activity occur at different locations (e.g., overthe course of a season). Many conventional monitoring technologiesrequire fixed installations, which prevents trainers from collectingdata or requires them to use different technologies during a session ofathletic activity away from their installation (e.g., when they aretraveling).

In some embodiments, once group monitoring system 100 receives signalsfrom individual monitors 200 or object monitors 250 monitoringindividuals 100 or sports objects 40 in motion on the defined playingfield, group monitoring system 100 may determine the type of playingsurface of the defined field, based on the character of motion signalsreceived from the individual monitors 200 or object monitors 250. Forexample, an object monitor 250 monitoring a sports object 40 travelingtoward the ground at a given speed may sense different impactcharacteristics for the sports object 40 upon its striking the grounddepending on the type of field, and may determine the type of fieldbased on these characteristics. For example, a duration of impact may beshorter and bounce height may be higher for a hard-surfaced playingfield (e.g., clay, hardwood, or asphalt) than for a soft-surfacedplaying field (e.g., grass, sand). Also for example, an individualmonitor 200 monitoring an individual 10 running on the ground may sensedifferent impact characteristics for the footfalls of the individual 10depending on the type of field, and may determine the type of fieldbased on these characteristics.

In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to defining a field basedon a plurality of positions, a playing field can be defined by linesthat correspond to a path moved by a portable system component alongboundaries of the playing field. The definition of such lines can beeffected similarly as described above with respect to the definition ofpositions relative to the playing field. A line-based definitiontechnique may be beneficial, for example, in defining fields havingcomplex or non-standard shapes.

Saved fields may be stored and re-used, and may be shared or sold (e.g.,via a website or social networking service, as described elsewhereherein). In some embodiments, group monitoring system 100 can downloaddata representing a pre-defined field (e.g., via a system component,such as, for example, group monitoring device 400). Data defining suchpre-defined fields may be available for download from, for example, adatabase, or directly from another user or website. Such pre-definedfields may have been defined previously by, for example, a user of thesame or a different group monitoring system 100, or of any othersuitable system (e.g., a position-recording or surveying system). Insome embodiments, group monitoring system 100 can provide an interfaceto search for data representing a particular pre-defined field (e.g.,via group monitoring device 400), or may suggest download of datarepresenting particular pre-defined fields based on the position of oneor more system components. For example, if base station 300 isdetermined to have GPS coordinates proximate to those of Playing FieldA, where data representing Playing Field A is pre-defined and availablefor download by group monitoring system 100, group monitoring system 100may suggest such download (e.g., via an interface of, for example, groupmonitoring device 400), thereby eliminating the need to re-definePlaying Field A before holding a session of athletic activity thereon.

A metric may be a representation of data indicative of a characteristicof individual 10 or sports object 40 sensed as described above, or maybe a representation of a characteristic derived from such data. Ingeneral, group monitoring system 100 can operate as a multi-levelanalysis tool. In an exemplary embodiment, group monitoring system 100can use signals from an accelerometer, GPS sensor, electrocardiograph(ECG), gyroscope, clock, and magnetometer to directly determine dataindicating position, orientation, activity, and time related to eachmonitored individual 10 or sports object 40, as well as data indicatingheart rate of an individual 10 monitored by an individual monitor 200 orinteracting with a sports object 40 monitored by an object monitor 250.This data can be processed to calculate metrics including mechanicalpower, mechanical power zones, speed, speed zones, metabolic power,metabolic power zones, motion state, and distance. These metrics can beprocessed in conjunction with values indicating time, mass of eachindividual 10 and/or sports object 40, and motion state of eachindividual 10 and/or sports object 40, to calculate metrics includingfatigue, training impact (TRIMPS), acceleration zones, accelerationwork, efficiency, total distance, and acceleration.

In some embodiments, group monitoring system 100 may determine two ormore metrics measuring the same characteristic in a different way. Forexample, group monitoring system 100 may provide a training load metricbased on a number of different metrics. Conventionally, distance is usedas a measure of training load, and distance can be used in this way bygroup monitoring system 100. However, sports like soccer and basketballthat involve frequent starts and stops demand quick accelerations,decelerations, and changes in direction such that a training load metricbased solely on distance may not be accurate. Thus, in addition to, oras an alternative to determining a training load metric based ondistance, group monitoring system 100 can determine training load usingheart rate, speed, acceleration, and power. These movements contributesignificantly to the load an athlete experiences in training, and maybetter represent actual training load. By analyzing training load byusing a variety of metrics trainers are able to determine and understandtotal training load much more accurately.

As described herein, group monitoring system 100 can determine dataabout sensed characteristics from multiple sources (sensors), canprocess this data to determine metrics, and can output representationsof such metrics to an observer (e.g., trainer 20). The data canrepresent characteristics of an individual that are unobservable, andthe volume of such data can be so great (e.g., millions of data points)as to be effectively uninterpretable by a person (e.g., trainer 20). Asdescribed, group monitoring system 100 can process and present this datato a user in an observable and interpretable manner, even combining datastreams from different sources, thus providing the user with greaterinsight and knowledge about the monitored activity and monitoredindividuals 10 than would be possible otherwise. This can help thetrainer understand how their training is impacting an individual 10'sability to perform.

For example, group monitoring system 100 may monitor data streamsrepresenting heart rate, power, speed, distance, acceleration, andposition on a playing field. By combining these data streams and basingcalculations on more than just a single data stream, group monitoringsystem can determine and output representations of new insights such as,for example, intensity and efficiency of an individual 10 or groupthereof. Display 402 of group monitoring device 400 can display suchrepresentations in real time, thus enabling trainers to act on theseinsights during a training session to ensure that they are meeting theirtraining goals.

For example, heart rate is a measure of the body's response to training.During a training session, a trainer can use a live dashboard (e.g.,displayed on display 402) to monitor heart rate recovery, making surenot to begin the next training interval until the majority of athletesare ready (i.e., their heart rates have sufficiently recovered).

Also for example, power is a measure of how hard a person is working.Power training is widely used in cycling where it has been possible tomeasure by putting a meter on the bike. Sensors and algorithms in groupmonitoring system 100 will facilitate the determination of power inother sports (e.g., soccer).

Also for example, by combining power and heart rate, trainers areprovided a complete picture of how hard a monitored individual isworking and how their body is responding to the work. This combinationof metrics allows coaches to look at the overall efficiency of theindividual. Individuals that are putting out more work per heart beatare in better condition (i.e., more efficient).

Also for example, speed is typically used as a measure of intensity.Speed is an important part of many athletic activities. By monitoring anindividual's speed a trainer can see if the individual is training at atarget level (e.g., a level considered to correspond to success in agame). When a trainer plans a speed training session he or she cancustomize a live dashboard (e.g., displayed on display 402) to viewspeed-related data including peak speed, average speed, and number ofhigh intensity sprints. The ability to manage speed training carefullycan help prevent overtraining and can reduce the risk of injury.

Also for example, distance covered has long been a reference fortraining volume. The distance an individual covers (e.g., runs) during asession of athletic activity (e.g., a game or scrimmage) can vary. Areal time measure of distance covered can allow a trainer to setindividual or team targets for distance and ensure that all individualshave reached the target. At the end of a session of athletic activitythe trainer can refer to the live dashboard to check distance covered.Individuals that fell short of the target may be instructed to continueto run.

Also for example, acceleration (including deceleration) can be asignificant measure of performance. Acceleration can be important insports where rapid change of direction is required. Understanding therate and frequency of acceleration can influence a determination ofoverall training load.

Also for example, knowledge of position on the field may allow a trainerto see where the monitored individuals are or have been on the field.This can promote insights into tactical movements of the players. Asdescribed above, such positioning can be shown on a map, for instance aheat map, where positions are determined using GPS.

Though particular metrics have been described above in the context ofthe described exemplary embodiments, these particular metrics areexemplary only, and other metrics besides those particularly disclosedmay be used in the described exemplary embodiments. Examples of metricsare presented below in Table 1. Such metrics may apply to individual 10,sports object 40, or both.

TABLE 1 Metric Examples Acceleration Epoch acceleration (meanaccelerometer output over defined epoch) Peak acceleration (maximumpositive acceleration for a defined period) Peak acceleration trend(plot of peak positive acceleration as a function of successive definedperiods) Average acceleration (mean positive acceleration for a definedperiod) Average acceleration trend (plot of average acceleration as afunction of successive defined periods) Deceleration Peak deceleration(maximum negative acceleration for a defined period) Peak decelerationtrend (plot of peak negative acceleration as a function of successivedefined periods) Acceleration zones (accumulated time spent in definedacceleration zones) Collision impact (e.g., energy absorbed) Trainingimpact/TRIMPS (heart rate- or power-based) Activity type Step rateStride length Time of ground contact (e.g., per step, or for a definedperiod) Heart rate Individual heart rate zones Heart rate recovery Heartrate recovery assessment (rate of recovery) Location and Orientation(coordinate location, may be relative to base station) (e.g., x, y, z)Location and Orientation (heat map) (e.g., 2 dimensional histogram ofposition) Location and Orientation (movement path) (e.g., 2 dimensionaltime series plot) Location and Orientation (relative to playing field)(e.g., standing, falling, laying down) Location and Orientation(relative to playing field) (e.g., facing opposing goal) Location andOrientation (relative to athletic activity equipment) (e.g., facingball) Location and Orientation (heading, absolute, relative to Earth)(e.g., facing east) Location and Orientation (on-field spacing) Locationand Orientation (distance between individuals and/or objects) Speed Peakspeed (maximum speed for a defined period) Peak speed trend (plot ofpeak speed as a function of successive defined periods) Average speed(mean speed for a defined period, may discount speeds below a definedthreshold to account for non-mobile time) Average speed trend (plot ofaverage speed as a function of successive defined periods) Speed zones(accumulated time spent in defined speed zones) Distance traveledVertical displacement (time off of ground) Vertical displacement(height) Work (training load) (e.g., intensity over time; may take intoaccount a combination of, for example, distance, number of sprints,number of accelerations/decelerations, time inspeed zones, time inacceleration zones, body weight) Work (mechanical work) (e.g., energyrequired to move individual through a distance) Work (power/intensity)(e.g., rate of doing work, power delivered, energy converted fromchemical to mechanical) Work (energy expenditure) (e.g., energy used todeliver mechanical work) Work (efficiency) (e.g., ratio between energyexpended and work; may account for state of body resulting from, forexample, mental state, sleep, diet) Power (constant power) (e.g.,lactate threshold assessment, ventilatory threshold assessment) Power(power output) (e.g., related to distance or acceleration) Power(relative power output) (e.g., normalized to an individual's constantpower at a point in time) Power (acceleration) Power (relative trainingimpact) (e.g., cumulative power delivered over time, weighted by zonesor activities) Power (calories) (e.g., metabolic consumption, energyexpenditure) (e.g., based on heart rate and accelerometry) Power(activity) Efficiency/performance effectiveness (relative efficiency)(mechanical power generated divided by metabolic energy consumption,e.g., normalized based on a known maximum state) Efficiency/performanceeffectiveness (linear running efficiency) (e.g., efficiency of forwardpower vs. total power) Efficiency/performance effectiveness (absoluteefficiency) (e.g., ratio of absolute mechanical work to calories)Fatigue (physiologic response to training load, measure of total workdone) (e.g., change in EMG (electrogyogrphy) wavelet frequency, summedcalorie rate consumption vs. expected standard, change in accelerometerspectral content, decay in sprint speeds, lengthening recovery times,change in heart rate recovery after exertion) Core body temperatureRespiration rate Running based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) Multi-stagefitness test performance (also known as the Yoyo test or beep test)Maximal oxygen consumption (also known as VO₂ max) Perceived exertion Xmeter sprint performance (where X is a defined distance) Blood lactatelevel Rotation rate Rotation plane Trajectory Launch angle Flight timeReaction time Impact force

The metrics described herein can relate to an individual (such asindividual 10), a base station (such as base station 300), any relevantathletic equipment (such as, for example, sports object 40), or otherpersons or objects to the extent possible, necessary, or desired. Themetrics described herein are exemplary, and other metrics besides thosedisclosed herein are useable with the present invention, as would beappreciated by one of skill in the art.

The present invention has been described above by way of exemplaryembodiments. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited byany of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be definedonly in accordance with the following claims and their equivalences.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for monitoring a plurality ofindividuals engaged in an athletic activity, the system comprising: aplurality of individual monitors, each individual monitor coupled to,and configured to transmit individual data indicative of one or morecharacteristics of, one of the plurality of individuals engaged in theathletic activity; and a group monitoring device comprising a displayconfigured to simultaneously display, during the athletic activity, oneor more statuses of each of the plurality of individual monitors and oneor more statuses of each of the plurality of individuals engaged in theathletic activity.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the display isfurther configured to simultaneously display identification information.3. The system of claim 1, wherein the display of the one or morestatuses of each of the plurality of individual monitors and the one ormore statuses of each of the plurality of individual monitors comprisesan indication of whether or not an alert has been triggered.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the display of the one or more statuses ofeach of the plurality of individual monitors and the one or morestatuses of each of the plurality of individual monitors comprises agraphic representation of a status.
 5. The system of claim 1, whereinthe display of the one or more statuses of each of the plurality ofindividual monitors and the one or more statuses of each of theplurality of individual monitors comprises a numeric representation of astatus.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more statuses ofeach of the plurality of individual monitors comprises a GPS signalstatus.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more statuses ofeach of the plurality of individual monitors comprises a connectivitystatus.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more statuses ofeach of the plurality of individual monitors comprises a battery powerstatus.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more statuses ofeach of the plurality of individual monitors comprises an amount of datareceived status.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or morestatuses of each of the plurality of individuals comprises a heart ratestatus.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more statuses ofeach of the plurality of individuals comprises an inertia status.
 12. Amethod for monitoring a plurality of individuals engaged in an athleticactivity, the method comprising: receiving, at a group monitoringdevice, individual data indicative of one or more characteristics of theplurality of individuals engaged in the athletic activity, wherein theindividual data is transmitted from a plurality of individual monitors,each individual monitor coupled to one of the plurality of individualsengaged in the athletic activity; and simultaneously displaying, duringthe athletic activity, one or more statuses of each of the plurality ofindividual monitors and one or more statuses of each of the plurality ofindividuals engaged in the athletic activity.
 13. The method of claim12, further comprising simultaneously displaying identificationinformation.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the identificationinformation comprises a unique identifier of each of the plurality ofindividual monitors.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein theidentification information comprises at least one of a name or jerseynumber of each of the plurality of individuals engaged in the athleticactivity.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein simultaneously displayingone or more statuses of each of the plurality of individual monitors andone or more statuses of each of the plurality of individuals engaged inthe athletic activity comprises displaying at least one of an indicationof whether or not an alert has been triggered, a graphic representationof a status, or a numeric representation of a status.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein at least one of the statuses is simultaneouslydisplayed as a numeric representation of a status and an indication thatan alert has been triggered.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the oneor more statuses of each of the plurality of individual monitorscomprises at least one of a GPS signal status, a connectivity status, abattery power status, or an amount of data received status.
 19. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the one or more statuses of each of theplurality of individual monitors comprises a battery power status, andwherein a numeric value of the battery power status for one of theplurality of individual monitors below a predetermined threshold isdisplayed in a different color than a numeric value of the battery powerstatus for one of the plurality of individual monitors above apredetermined threshold.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the one ormore statuses of each of the plurality of individuals comprises at leastone of a heart rate status or an inertia status.